Moving is always a daunting prospect. You worry about fitting in and making friends. Fortunately, when you move to a senior living community, you are surrounded by peers, so chances are good you’ll have things in common with your neighbors. Here are five tips for making new friends in a senior living community. 

1. Eat in the Main Dining Room

One of the easiest ways to make new friends in a senior living community is simply to have your meals in the main dining room. Although the prospect of eating alone might seem intimidating, you’ll likely find others who would be happy to have you join them for a meal. Try striking up a conversation about the food on offer, or simply look for someone at a table with an empty chair, and ask if you can join them. You’ll have new friends in no time!

2. Introduce Yourself

When you move into your apartment, take the initiative to introduce yourself to your neighbors. Everyone likes to know who’s living next door, so your new neighbors will probably appreciate the introduction. Remember, even after you’ve been at your senior living community for a while, you can still make new friends. Introduce yourself to new residents and offer to meet for breakfast once they’ve settled in. You’re sure to meet new friends who’d love to have some company. 

3. Show Interest

Showing interest in other people is a tried-and-true method of making new friends. If you love someone’s outfit, tell them! Ask about grandchildren, hobbies, interesting collections, or anything else you can think of. Showing interest in others makes them feel good, and it helps you come across as warm and likable. It’s an easy way to begin new friendships and strengthen your bond over time, too. 

4. Adopt A Pet

If you don’t already have a pet but are interested in getting one, adopting a new furry friend could help you make new friends in your community, too. A pet can be a great source of comfort to ease loneliness and may help you feel more secure in meeting new people. Plus, if you choose to share your home with a dog, you’ll undoubtedly meet other dog owners when you’re out for walks. 

5. Participate in Activities

At Normandy Living, we offer an array of social and recreational activities, giving you endless opportunities to meet others with similar interests. When you attend activities you know you enjoy, you’re bound to meet others who share your hobbies, passions, and talents. You know that you have something in common with everyone in the room, so it’s easy to start conversations and make new friends. 

Consider attending social activities designed to foster friendships, too. Look for things like ice cream socials, dances, mixers, and games. It’s likely you’ll find others who are also seeking friendship at these types of events. Keep an open mind, and don’t be afraid to speak up first. You might be surprised at how friendly the residents in your senior living community turn out to be!

Normandy Living strives to foster a safe and supportive community among our residents. With quality programming, concierge services, and 24/7 dining room access, you can feel confident knowing there will be plenty of opportunities to make new friends. 

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