February 24, 2023
No matter our age, building relationships with others is fundamental in enriching our lives. Research has shown that people who enjoy healthy relationships, live longer and happier lives. Maintaining relationships as we age has numerous health benefits such as increasing our physical and mental health, increasing mental acuity, promoting laughter and more!
At Vitalia Active Adult Community – North Olmsted, I, as the Resident Services Director, play a pivotal role in helping to create opportunities for our residents to build relationships with their peers as well as helping to maintain these relationships through daily events. Oftentimes, aging adults are afraid of senior living settings. They see it as an end to their independence. Most fear being isolated from family and friends. One of the stigmas associated with senior living is, “I’m too young and active to be in senior living.” Therefore, many avoid it as an option all together. Unfortunately, this means they also lose out on the abundant opportunities to create new friendships and memories that this setting provides.
In our community, we have a group of residents who are professionals at welcoming new residents and helping them to feel at home as they settle in. We also ensure that new residents are invited to join all events, based on their preferences. Once our residents take advantage of these events, they often find themselves meeting new people or even connecting with old friends or neighbors. Through our daily events and programs, we often see close friendships form that continue. Residents begin having meals together or even take trips out of the community for shopping and family get-togethers.
It is my goal to help build and foster these relationships and break the stigmas associated with senior living communities. The best way to bond with people is through shared experiences. By offering a variety of programs and events, I hope to have something for everyone to do, regardless of age, ability, social preferences, or interests. We have such a great group of residents; they’re automatically welcoming to new neighbors. As the Resident Services Director, I have the privilege of interacting with our residents throughout the day during our programs. It’s great to have a calendar of events to discuss with our new neighbors while inviting them to be part of the group. When they’re all having fun together, they quickly become friends.
Senior Living is exactly the place for active people! I often liken it to college life; there’s something for everyone. We try to give the residents the tools to make the rest of their lives, the best of their lives. Our communities are social, fun, and active. It’s the perfect place to be treated to chef made meals, friends outside your door, a calendar of fun events, housekeeping services, a driver when you need it, maintenance services on hand, and more. It’s like a vacation resort, and who wouldn’t love that?
Sources: https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316
VITALIA® North Olmsted in North Olmsted, OH offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near St. John West Shore with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Crusher’s Stadium, Crocker Park, North Olmsted Senior Center, North Olmsted Library, Bradley Woods Park (Cleveland Metro Parks), and Cleveland Zoo.
