The Boulevard Senior Living – Wentzville Understands the Importance of Socialization and Building & Maintaining Relationships

No matter our age, building relationships with others is fundamental in enriching our lives. Research has shown that people who enjoy healthy relationships, live longer and happier lives. Maintaining relationships as we age has numerous health benefits such as increasing our physical and mental health, increasing mental acuity, promoting laughter and more!

At The Boulevard Senior Living – Wentzville, I, as the Resident Services Director, play a pivotal role in helping to create opportunities for our residents to build relationships with their peers as well as helping to maintain these relationships through daily events. Oftentimes, aging adults are afraid of senior living settings. They see it as an end to their independence. Most fear being isolated from family and friends. One of the stigmas associated with senior living is, “I’m too young and active to be in senior living.” Therefore, many avoid it as an option all together. Unfortunately, this means they also lose out on the abundant opportunities to create new friendships and memories that this setting provides.

In our community, we have a group of residents who are professionals at welcoming new residents and helping them to feel at home as they settle in. We also ensure that new residents are invited to join all events, based on their preferences. Once our residents take advantage of these events, they often find themselves meeting new people or even connecting with old friends or neighbors. Through our daily events and programs, we often see close friendships form that continue. Residents begin having meals together or even take trips out of the community for shopping and family get-togethers.

It is my goal to help build and foster these relationships and break the stigmas associated with senior living communities. As the Resident Services Director I feel one of my most important roles is building a trusting, strong, and positive connection with our residents. Once that relationship is established, they are more likely to be involved in the wide range of events and programming we offer at The Boulevard. Many of our residents are excited to meet new friends and foster new relationships. I feel the best way to accomplish this goal is by getting out in the community, socializing, and attending events. It is important to know each resident’s history, capabilities, and interests when planning for a diverse, engaging, and purposeful program.

Social, physical, and emotional wellness are very important as we age. Living your best life in a senior living community opens a world of opportunities to be active, involved, meet new friends, and be free of the stresses of cooking and home ownership. Senior living also affords you the opportunity to enjoy freedom, autonomy, and everything our community has to offer, while gaining peace of mind for your future health needs, knowing that you can safely age in place within our community. Before you say, “I’m too young and active to live at a senior living community,” come to The Boulevard and witness firsthand our vibrant, and “family-oriented” lifestyle where residents can explore new interests, build friendships, embrace their independence, and begin living your best life!

Sources: https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316