Exploring retirement living options requires careful consideration, in person visits, and thorough research about finances and the services and amenities. As you’re exploring all your options, you may wonder what it would actually be like to move to and live in a retirement community. Many seniors wonder “Will I fit in?” and “Will I make new friends?
To help you as you consider your retirement living options, we’ve compiled a list of tips for making new friends in your chosen community that we believe will give you a leg up after you decide to move.
#1 Enjoy the Health Benefits of Making New Friends
One of the most important benefits of moving to a senior living community is enjoying an environment dedicated to your total well-being. “Wellness” is a commonly used term to describe what retirement communities offer, but what does that really mean?
In short, it means that communities like WhiteStone provide opportunities to help you maximize your health in several key areas, including physical, mental, social, and spiritual. Each of these dimensions of wellness are interconnected and important to a well-rounded and balanced lifestyle.
Enlist new friends to help you learn about all the activities available in your new community. Ask acquaintances or neighbors to show you around the fitness center or accompany you on a walk to familiarize yourself with the grounds and walking paths.
Many retirement communities are pet friendly. If you have a dog, you will easily find other pet lovers will go out of their way to show you where the best walking paths are for both you and your four-legged companion.
#2 Take Advantage of Being New
Newcomers to a retirement community will be warmly welcomed by staff, management, and residents.
Nevertheless, do not hesitate to ask for help. People love to be experts, so let them!
Whether you need directions to the library, a borrowed light bulb, or tips on fun activities to consider, other residents are more than glad to help. You’ll find many people are willing to provide guidance, so go ahead and enjoy being the new person!
#3 Invite Neighbors to Your New Home
One of the joys of moving to a senior living community is enjoying your new residence. Whether it’s an apartment, a cottage or a house, you’ll want to “make it home”. After you’ve settled in, invite neighbors and new acquaintances over for light snacks and refreshments.
There’s no need to overdo it. Your home doesn’t have to be “done” or “perfect.” Remember, other residents really just want to get to know you.
Welcoming visitors and new friends to your new apartment or cottage will go a long way to making you feel comfortable and settled. Share your favorite pieces of art, or show off pictures of family – whatever makes you feel good. And be sure to thank your guests for coming!
#4 Enjoy Meal Times and All Dining Options
When you become a new resident of a senior living community, it’s a good idea to be ready to accept invitations to accompany others to the dining room. When others invite you to join them at their table, accept the offer with thanks.
Introduce yourself, and let them tell you about themselves. Ask questions about the menus, and learn what items others particularly enjoy. Most residents of retirement communities love to help newcomers get acclimated, so welcome the attention and assistance.
At WhiteStone, we offer a once-a-week “Wine Down” in our light-filled bar. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to enjoy beautiful views of our courtyard while listening to live entertainment.
The bar is a fan-favorite spot for casual get-togethers. And sports fans will love following their favorite teams on the multiple TVs that accent the bar.
#5 Enjoy the Endless Benefits of Independent Living
Most full service retirement communities require that seniors move in at the Independent Living level (IL). As an ILresident, you will reap the many benefits of being independent in your new community.
A wonderful way to get to know other residents and neighbors is to invite a few to explore the Greensboro area. Suggest a day to go exploring or shopping. If you’re new to the area, be sure to ask longtime residents of Greensboro what attractions and places they particularly recommend.
As WhiteStone is only 10 minutes from downtown Greensboro and 30 minutes from Winston-Salem, residents enjoy:
* Attending minor league baseball’s Greensboro Grasshoppers games in summer and fall
* Playing at 12 area courses or watching the pros tee off at Greensboro’s annual PGA tournament
* Listening to the Greensboro Symphony year-round
* Attending Broadway shows, ballet, and a wide variety of musical performances at Greensboro’s new Tanger Center for the Performing Arts
Learn More About the History and Bright Future of WhiteStone
At WhiteStone, new residents feel at home the moment they move in. Our rich history as the first Continuing Care Retirement Community in North Carolina provides a strong foundation for residents now and tomorrow.
Our future is one of great promise. In 2023, we will be opening our long-awaited expanded community with more independent living options, new memory care suites, and new assisted living residences.
Our expansion project brings a full continuum of care to our senior living campus. To learn more about our unique offerings, give us a call today at 336-904-3686.