Finding Your Place In Your New Retirement Community
Posted on: 12 February 2016
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Your old home is getting to be a burden, and you've decided that it's time to move to one of the local assisted living facilities. Just like moving to a new neighborhood, you'll soon meet new people and discover how you fit into the community. Here are some ways to be proactive and build your circle of new friends quickly.
Participate in Residents Meetings
Some facilities hold meetings between the residents and administration to discuss concerns and talk about future changes to the retirement center. This is a good way for you to learn who the most vocal and opinionated residents are and how the administration treats the residents.
Attend Classes at the Facility
Going to classes with other residents gives you a chance to meet many people who may share an interest with you. These are often good places to socialize so you'll quickly make new acquaintances and friends. You'll also learn a little about the interests of the other residents in your retirement community.
Offer to Teach a Class
You likely have some passion that you can share with others through a class. This will give you a different perspective of your neighbors as you observe their learning styles. Teaching a class also garners you the reputation of someone who contributes to the community as well as being a participant.
Attend or Start an Exercise Group
If you love to walk, jog or do some other form of exercise, join or start an exercise group. This is a great way to meet new people while keeping healthy. You'll find that some people need the motivation of a group to get out and exercise, so if you start a group, you'll be providing a healthy service to the community.
Share Your Expertise
If you developed skills in your career that would be helpful to the residents in the retirement center, then offer to hold one-on-one sessions or question and answer sessions. Tax tips, real estate and investment portfolio management advice will be helpful to many of your neighbors.
Help Orient New Residents
Volunteer to become a mentor to new residents coming to the facility. After a few weeks of being there yourself, you'll have many tips to share as to how to meet people and find your place in the community. You'll also be one of the first residents to meet the new people as they get settled in.