How Life Has Not Stopped, Only Pivoted – The Importance of Socialization for Seniors

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on all of us. Here at StoneRidge, protecting our residents from contracting the coronavirus is our number one priority. However, there’s also a serious threat to their mental, emotional and social wellness. The importance of socialization for seniors can’t be underestimated in a time like this. How to combat social isolation for our residents quickly became another of our top concerns. And we’re happy to say that life here at StoneRidge hasn’t stopped entirely, we’ve just adapted to these uncertain times while keeping everyone here as safe as possible.

Importance of Socialization for Seniors

The benefits of socializing for seniors go far beyond what many might think. Socializing reduces stress and promotes mental wellness in profound ways. “Social aging,” as it’s called, keeps older adults’ minds active as they age and adds meaningful purpose to their lives. The effects of lack of socialization are directly linked to significant cognitive decline including increased risk of dementia – which is exactly why the importance of social interaction for seniors must not be taken lightly during a time like this.

How StoneRidge is Pivoting

While we put the health and wellness of our residents above all else, daily life here continues to thrive. In addition to increased safety measures, we’re still offering plenty of opportunities for social connection.

• Virtual Happy Hour Q&A
  Since we aren’t hosting visitors to our community during this time, we want to make sure people interested in moving in to StoneRidge are still able to experience life here in some way. And, of course, to get to know the incredible people who already call StoneRidge home. The solution? A Virtual Happy Hour Q&A in which prospective residents and current residents share their experiences, have some laughs, answer questions, and tell their stories over video chat. If you’re interested in joining them, you can sign up for a Virtual Happy Hour on our events page.

• Gardening
  Outdoor activities, especially our community garden, have pushed on with proper safety measures in place here at StoneRidge. Weekly garden features on our Facebook page have become a community favorite. These videos allow residents to show off their green thumbs and share gardening tips and tricks with others. Win Goodwin, a StoneRidge resident, manages the garden and says gardening is his therapy, “it’s my pride and joy,” he says.

• Folk Music Concerts
  Entertainment is abundant here, even while social distancing. Talented local musicians have graced our community with their talents, putting on open-air shows throughout our community. Jonathan Toner and Rebecca Noreen of Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and local band Dust Devil Heart have come by to serenade our residents in a socially distanced, safe outdoor mini-concert.
• Keeping Celebrations Alive
  Regardless of age, we know many big life events have been put on hold. But we’re not letting COVID-19 stop us from celebrating life’s milestones, even if we have to socially distance while we celebrate. StoneRidge recently held a socially distanced commencement ceremony for the employees and staff of Stoneridge who were graduating.
• Virtual Events
  As much as we wish we could be out and about with friends and family, virtual events are the next best thing to gathering in person. Every week our residents get online to video chat with each other over drinks in our weekly Virtual Happy Hour. It’s a great time to check in on friends and neighbors, as well as plan out which virtual events everyone wants to attend the following week. For example, the nearby Mystic Aquarium has been adding a sense of adventure here at StoneRidge with their virtual tours and shows featuring captivating beluga whales, adorable fur seals and lovable penguins.
• Intergenerational Projects
  One of the most beneficial activities for senior social wellness is connecting with the younger generation in meaningful ways. We’ve continued our intergenerational activities for seniors here at StoneRidge, partnering with the students of Pine Pointe School. Residents and students chat regularly via Zoom. Residents share their stories and life experiences, while students gain a better understanding of American history in the context of world events. We call it a win-win.

Cinco de Mayo Social Distance Party
This year, Cinco de Mayo landed around the height of the pandemic. All of the stress from social isolation was taking a toll on everyone. After carefully considering how to combat social isolation, we organized a safe and secure socially distanced Cinco de Mayo party for our residents to finally get some much needed relaxation.

• Livin COVIDA Loca Video
  Tik Tok is Gen Z’s favorite new social media app – but that doesn’t mean it can’t act as a form of social support for older adults too. Our creative residents submitted their best dance videos titled “Livin’ COVIDA Loca” to let off some steam and share their energetic personalities with the social media world.
• Ice Cream Truck
  Our residents are normally enjoying the summer outdoors this time of year. Since festivities are limited now, we brought summer fun to them. We safely delivered cold treats from our favorite local ice cream truck to each of the residents’ rooms to help them beat the social isolation blues.

• Creative Art Projects.
  Being able to tap into creative skills is a great way to expand one’s mind. Furthermore, creativity promotes brain health, improving connectivity between the two hemispheres of the brain. Creative outlets may also be critical in healthy aging in the brain. Our residents tap into their creative self in so many ways. Check out this photo gallery to see all the art projects created during COVID-19 and this resident’s amazing wood working skills

Connect with StoneRidge
If you’re struggling with how to combat social isolation during this time, we want to help. Our entire team at StoneRidge understands the importance of socialization for seniors and have worked hard to balance safety with social wellness. If you’d like to learn more or take a virtual tour of our community, don’t hesitate to contact us through our website or call us anytime at 860-333-8995.