What Are the Best Ways for Your Parents to Meet New People?
Once a year, one day is set aside to take a look back at friendships you have and others you could establish. February 11th’s National Make a Friend Day is the day to meet others and form new connections. Socialization helps with mental and physical health, so you don’t want them ignoring that need. When your parents don’t often go out, how can they meet new people and make friends?
Volunteering
Once a week or as often as they can, your parents should volunteer. They could help out at the area hospital by delivering flowers to patient rooms, managing the guest information desk, or working in the gift shop. There are volunteer opportunities with local non-profits, museums, and festivals. They’ll meet a lot of people volunteering.
Attending the Senior Center
Your parents should go to their local senior center for luncheons and other social activities. They’ll find it’s easy to make friends and socialize through the meals, classes, and group outings. Some senior centers also host group trips to other states and countries, which is a good way for your parents to explore the world with others.
Meeting the Neighbors
Whether your parents live an apartment/condo/townhouse complex or in a family neighborhood, they could make friends with their neighbors. If that neighborhood doesn’t currently host periodic neighborhood block parties, your parents could see if others want to join them in starting one.
They’ll get to know those who live nearby and make friends. It’s also a good way to connect with neighbors who work as contractors like plumbers or electricians. Having a contractor close by is handy in the event of an emergency.
Joining Local Clubs
Walking clubs at area recreation centers and book reading groups at the local library are two of the best places to make friends. Your parents benefit from exercise and make friends when joining a walking group. Reading groups allow them to branch out and experience new authors and discuss their feelings on the books they read with others of varying ages.
Hiring Caregivers
Weekly or daily visits from caregivers make sure your parents have new friends stopping by. Senior care services offer more than housekeeping a meals. Caregivers can come for a few hours to watch movies with your mom and dad, join them on walks, or take them to parks and museums. Call a senior care agency to make arrangements that fit their needs.
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring senior care in Tempe, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!