While retirement should be a time to relax and make great memories, for many it can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Staying in contact with friends and family can get more difficult as the responsibilities of adult life get in the way, but it’s very important that you make the effort to nurture your relationships in old age. From boosting your brain power to relieving you of stress, here are all of the perks of socialising in retirement:
Sense of belonging
After you leave the world of work, you might feel a slight loss of purpose in your retirement years. However, this will all change when you join a retirement community. Giving you the opportunity to socialise and meet like-minded people, you’ll soon derive a strong sense of community and belonging. As long as you put yourself out there and stay open to meeting new people, you’ll be making new friends and memories in no time.
Reduced stress
Meeting new people for the first time can be daunting, but the bonds you form can help to reduce stress in the long run. When you spend time with your loved ones, you release a hormone that helps you feel less stressed and more relaxed. So whenever you feel down in the dumps, some quality time with friends and family could help you take your mind off of it.
Increased cognitive function
Without the routine and challenge of work life to keep your brain sharp, socialisation is a great way to keep your brain stimulated in retirement. Simply exchanging conversation or taking part in group activities (especially chess!) can help to improve your memory, focus and attention span. In fact, a study by University College London found that socialising every day in your 60s can help to reduce the risk of developing dementia later in life.
Greater happiness
Whether you are catching up with a friend for a quick coffee, or going to a group exercise class, there’s something about socialising that just makes you happier. Nothing gives you a lift like a shared laugh among friends and family, or enjoying some quality time with your grandchildren. On the other hand, if you withdraw into yourself in your retirement years, you could end up suffering from feelings of isolation and depression.
Encourages you to get active
You might not expect it, but socialising can have a positive impact on your physical as well as mental health. After all, socialising with your friends can make getting out and about a lot easier. If you aren’t excited about the idea of going out for a walk or some exercise, the prospect of exercise as part of a social group is likely to be more inviting.
Group activities like dance classes, yoga or even group sports are great for your mobility and balance, helping to strengthen your body and lower the risk of chronic health conditions. Who knows, you might even discover a new hobby that you’ve not heard of!
Worried about making friends in retirement? A retirement community is the perfect place to meet like-minded people and form long-lasting bonds. At Churchill Retirement, you can enjoy the benefits of a retirement community from the comfort of one of our energy-efficient apartments!