Did you know that socially engaging with others can help stimulate the part of the brain that deals with learning and memory? It can be tough to make new friends at an older age, but you should never stop trying! Whether you’re living in an assisted living community, in a rehabilitation program, or on your own, there are a few ways you can make more friends.

• Take a Risk – You could be friends with someone by chance or because of a weird coincidence, but more times than not you have to reach out. Strike up a conversation with a person that you’ve seen around that looks friendly. The more people you reach out to the better your chances are of finding new friends.
• Why Not? – If someone invites you to go somewhere or to do something fun, do it! Even if you’ve never had a long conversation with that person, this is the perfect opportunity to get to know them. You may not become best of friends with this person, but at least you’ll gain an acquaintance out of it.
• Hobbies & Activities – Sitting in your room watching TV all day won’t help you make a new friend. Join a class or activity in the community so you can be around other people that share this common interest. Conversation will be easy because you can always talk about the activity that you’re currently participating in!
• Social Networks – Reconnecting with old friends and family is a great way to stay social. You can do this by creating a social media profile on networks such as Facebook and Twitter. Find old classmates and employees, or join an online community to discuss topics with like minded people.
• Develop – It is perfectly okay to only have a handful of friends. The quality of a friendship is more important than the quantity of friendships. If you’re okay with having just a handful of friends then make it your goal to stay social with these friends daily.

Making friends can be difficult as you get older, but it’s possible as long as you’re willing to try. The community at The Arbors Assisted Living is one that promotes friendship and makes it easy for everyone to stay social. If you’re interested in learning more, or visiting The Arbors Assisted Living community, schedule a tour by contacting one of our five convenient locations:

Bohemia
Hauppauge
Islandia East
Islandia West
Westbury