Love in a Senior Living Community
Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on February 14, 2018
Love in a Senior Living Community
Love makes life worth living. So it is no wonder that single seniors often fall in love or find companionship in senior living communities. More than 40 million Americans are over the age of 65 and according to AARP, 45% of adults over the age of 65 are divorced, widowed, or separated. Whether widowed or divorced, single seniors miss the companionship of being in a relationship and senior living communities can give them a second chance at finding love again.
Being in close proximity to other seniors is good for communication, socialization, and reducing depression. Whether it’s an independent community or assisted living center, seniors who share meals, activities, and living spaces with others develop long-lasting and close knit bonds. This in turn improves their overall quality of life and their happiness.
Sadly, the majority of seniors who move into a senior living community are alone, with many living in isolation for years after the death of a partner or spouse. For some, senior living communities are a chance to experience the thrill of love all over again and re-build intimacy with someone new. For others, it’s simply the companionship they seek - not love or intimacy. After all, the need for companionship doesn’t diminish as we age. Seniors who are looking for companionship often find this by developing strong bonds with friends of both sexes.
How to Find Love and Companionship in a Senior Living Community
1. Choose the Right Place
Before choosing the right senior living community, it pays to do a little research. Choose a facility that cares for seniors that are your age, that share your interests, or that are on your level of mobility. This increases your chances of finding other seniors who you can relate to. This will give you the best chance to develop deep and long lasting relationships and friendships.
2. Get Involved
Once you have moved into a senior living community, get involved. Regularly attend activities and organized group events and take advantage of any clubs or social groups. Finding someone who shares your interests is easier when you are participating in mutually shared activities and having fun.
3. Friendship is Just as Important
Even if you don’t find love, you will likely make long-lasting friendships. This is just as important and can instantly lift your mood and fill the need for companionship. Since women often outnumber men in these facilities, it is not uncommon for women to form strong emotional friendships that enrich all of their lives.
4. Take Your Time
When moving into a senior living community, take your time to get to know everyone and develop real relationships. Because this is a small community, you should take things slow and allow all of your relationships and friendships to grow naturally.
5. Be Safe
Just like any new relationship, seniors who want an active love life need to take appropriate safety precautions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sexually transmitted diseases among seniors are on the rise. From 2005 to 2009, the reported cases of syphilis and chlamydia increased 43% in adults over the age of 55.
A Senior Living Community Can Help
If you are looking for a senior care facility for yourself or your loved one, we can help. You can find the perfect senior living community near you on Senior Living Link. Our online assisted living community directory features facilities nationwide that offer an array of services, including health care programs, meals, medication administration, and more. Start your search today and contact Senior Living Link to learn more!