Meaningful relationships bring joy and a sense of vitality to your life. They also support cognitive health, boost emotional well-being, and give you a lasting sense of purpose. Staying socially engaged as you age can even help you live longer.
If you’re a solo ager preparing to move into Assisted Living, it’s perfectly natural to wonder how you’ll keep those valuable connections strong. A solo ager is someone who's over 50 years old, isn't married, and doesn't have children. At The Landing in Alexandria, we know how important it is to build lasting social connections. We offer an environment infused with a sense of community and friendship. The Landing also has comfortable gathering spaces designed to promote interaction.
Interacting with other people isn't just about building relationships. It also helps keep your mind sharp as you get older. Book clubs encourage critical thinking, expose you to new perspectives, and help you learn more about the world around you. Once you read the latest pick, you can share your thoughts with other members, making it easier to form lasting bonds.
Trivia nights have similar benefits. On the cognitive side, answering trivia questions requires you to access stored memories in a limited amount of time. You also have a chance to grow your mental knowledge bank. In terms of social interaction, trivia nights build community, strengthen social connections, and may even help you improve your communication skills.
Studies show that social engagement reduces the risk of cognitive decline. This makes Assisted Living the ideal setting for solo agers. If you lived alone, you wouldn't have nearly as many opportunities to exercise your mind and socialize with others. The Landing offers a variety of memory-enriching experiences, from guest lectures to creative arts classes, which take place in our beautiful common spaces. We even plan cultural outings to help you expand your horizons.
When older adults live alone, they don't always have enough opportunities to socialize. This is especially true of solo agers who don't have family members nearby. This lack of connections increases the risk of loneliness and depression. Assisted Living is different. Group programs give you access to companionship, humor, and moments of natural joy, so they can fill the social gaps in a solo ager's life.
Group activities can also boost your mood, as they often involve laughing and sharing stories. For older adults, simply spending time with other people can improve emotional well-being. The Landing in Alexandria has cozy lounges, musical performances, happy hours, and other activities designed to help you connect with others. We even have wellness-focused gatherings to enhance your quality of life.
Some solo agers find it much easier to stay physically active if they have someone to cheer them on. Whether you're taking a dance class or joining a walking club, being part of a group can keep you moving. Group fitness activities come with built-in encouragement from other members, making them ideal for building healthy, communal routines.
Improved balance and strength aren't the only benefits of participating in group activities. You'll also feel a shared sense of accomplishment when you walk that final mile, finish your dance routine, or beat your personal best for lifting weights. The Landing has several areas that are ideal for social fitness and spontaneous engagement, including a rooftop terrace, a wellness studio, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Having a strong sense of identity helps build confidence and improve your mental health. It's also important to have a sense of purpose as you age. Joining small communities, such as choirs, volunteer teams, and crafting clubs, makes it easier to connect with others. Each group also gives you a sense of structure and meaning. As a solo ager, it's empowering to know that you belong even if you don't have any family members nearby.
You also have a chance to build deep personal bonds with your fellow residents. Forming new friendships and participating in group traditions allows you to create a "found family," enriching your daily life. At The Landing, we take a concierge approach to socializing. Our full calendar of events makes it easier to find your chosen family and make the most of your time with them. Best of all, you can stay connected while maintaining your independence.
The Landing offers a wide variety of family-inclusive events and other activities to keep you engaged. We host dinners, seasonal parties, and performances that are open to family members and friends. If you're a solo ager, you can have dinner with your favorite cousin or invite your friends to one of our holiday events.
Although The Landing has plenty to see and do, we're proud to offer opportunities for broader community engagement. Our partnerships with local schools, museums, and civic groups can help you stay connected to the Alexandria community, even if you don't have family nearby. The Landing even has multipurpose spaces for volunteer activities, special events, and intergenerational programs. To stay connected, all you have to do is venture beyond your apartment door.
At The Landing, we view social programs as a foundation for helping you live well. Socialization is more than an afterthought; it's integrated into every level of care we offer. Whether you're taking a fitness class or joining one of our cultural outings, you can find peace of mind and a sense of belonging — especially if you're a solo ager. Contact us today at 571-568-7622 to find out more about our commitment to helping residents stay engaged.
