Making new friends is difficult at any age. And when you’re so set in your ways, the idea of making new friends at a senior living facility can feel overwhelming or even a bit scary.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re living in an assisted senior living facility or are still independent living in St. Petersburg, FL, read some top tips for how to make new friends in senior living facilities.
Join Activities
There’s nothing better than bonding over a shared passion. Not only will venturing out to participate in activities that interest you enrich your own life, but it will most certainly help you make new friends.
When you move into your new living situation, ask staff for a copy of the monthly events and activities calendar. And if you commit to an activity, follow through with your plans!
Find New Residents in Assisted Living in Saint Petersburg, FL
If you live in assisted living in Saint Petersburg, FL, it’s likely that your building has other new residents.
Ask staff to connect you with other new residents who may be facing the same hurdles you are. Your living facility may have a group dedicated purely to acclimating new residents.
Host a Party
Don’t want to meet other people? Bring the new people to you by hosting a “new to the neighborhood” party in your independent senior living space.
Make sure to be open, pleasant, and welcoming. As the host, you’ll want to be as inviting as possible. Consider making the party fun by planning different games or turning the party into a screening of your favorite film.
Listen, Listen, Listen
As sad as it is, most people engage in conversations only to talk about themselves. Rather than being that obnoxious person in a conversation, take the time to really get to know who you’re speaking with. Taking an interest in who the person is, where they grew up, and what they did for a living will engage the other person and help strike a deeper bond between the two of you.
Ask for Help
Sometimes it can be overwhelming to go to a social event by yourself. And that’s okay! If you have friends or family outside of your living facility, consider inviting them to the next senior living center event so that you can meet people in your community while armed with the comfort of having a familiar face by your side.
