How Independent Living Can Boost Your Social Life

Starting in 1938, a Harvard Study began looking into the secret of happiness in retirement. Every two years, researchers asked over 700 people about their level of happiness as they entered mid- and late life. Today, just as 87 years ago, the top retirement challenge people face is making friends. That’s because a lot of our social connections are made through our jobs.

Numerous recent studies show the importance of social connections, but luckily there are also reports on how to make friends later in life and enjoy even greater happiness.

For example, research from the Mathers Institute’s landmark Age Well Study found older adults who choose a Life Plan Community — like Santa Marta — reported more social connections, greater happiness and a better quality of life than those who choose to remain in their home. So, a senior community social life is just one of the benefits of choosing Santa Marta independent living.

Senior Community Social Life

There are so many positive effects of staying social in independent living. So how do senior living communities like Santa Marta help older adults stay more socially connected?

At Santa Marta, we purposefully create ways for new and longtime residents to get to know each other. Our community also helps all residents maintain meaningful relationships with their family members, and with longtime friends who may not live in the community.

Independent Living Social Benefits

Here are seven ways Santa Marta can help enhance your social connectivity and engagement.

1. Santa Marta dining provides opportunities for good food and great company. Hospitable and attentive servers know your meal and dietary preferences – they even know how you prefer your coffee. What better way to get to know someone than over a relaxing meal, served just the way you like it?
2. Santa Marta’s emphasis on wellness makes exercise more enjoyable with friends, which means it’s not difficult to meet fellow residents who share an interest in staying active. Heart-healthy exercises, tai chi, aqua fitness in the indoor pool, senior weights sessions and classes in our fitness center are just some of the wellness opportunities each community offers.
3. Having a dog is an ideal way to meet people – and our community is pet-friendly. Santa Marta even has a dog park! So many dog owners find it easy to talk about their pets and quickly discover that they’re bonding over things like the best chew toys or the cutest dog sweater. That can comfortably lead to dog play dates and plans together with other dog owners.
4. Our monthly calendars are always full, making events great places to mix and mingle. From movie nights, live music and happy hours to day trips to museums and shopping excursions, there are multiple planned social events every day of the month.
5. Shared hobbies mean shared interests, so join a club or – four. Bridge groups, book clubs, regular walking groups, coffee clubs, art groups, and other resident clubs mean it’s easy to meet others who share the same interests. Having something immediately in common can be an easy way to break the ice and strike up a new friendship.
6. Invite your family and friends to visit any time you like. Family members and friends are always welcome in our communities. Many residents have regular lunch or dinner dates with friends or their adult children and reserve our private dining rooms for family holiday dinners. Many residents have frequent visits from their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well.
7. Explore or deepen a sense of spirituality with others. Santa Marta encourages residents who choose to practice their faith, because spiritual wellness is one of the elements we focus on. We offer on-site religious services, and transportation to off-site places of worship nearby so residents can benefit from the support of others who share their belief systems.

You’ve Got Friends at Santa Marta

When you move to Santa Marta, you’ll find a true community of neighbors who will soon feel like friends you’ve known your whole life. To experience our boutique community with a big heart for yourself, contact one of our helpful senior living counselors.