A place where new friendships are forged
As young children, we didn’t have to work at being social – it came naturally. We happily played with our schoolmates, adored our teachers, socially interacted with family members and were excited to venture forth into the world.
As we grew, our social circles increased. There were private lessons, team sports and group activities such as Scouts and Girl Guides.
The circle grew even larger as we matured into adulthood. We socialized with co-workers, hosted family events and joined clubs to network with others that shared the same hobbies and interests.
It would appear that we are, by nature, very social creatures. As we age and retire or move to a new community, we may not have as many opportunities to socialize as we did earlier in life. It’s important that we then, make a special effort to remain social. Social interactions are needed to keep us sharp, healthy and to help us fend off dementia.
Isolation can become a part of our lives as a reult of loosing our driver’s license, experiencing poor health, or losing a loved one. If our partner suffers from reduced cognitive function or has physical health issues, our own social situation can be affected.
Social isolation can negatively impact our life. It can affect mood, well-being and health. Something as simple as sharing conversation with a friend over coffee can eliminate the loneliness experienced by some seniors living alone and bereaved. Selfesteem is also impacted if we lack an emotional support system.
Prolonged lack of social interaction can lead to a lack of sufficient fresh air, sunshine and exercise. A senior living alone may not bother to eat or look after themselves and can forget to take medications. Seclusion can also increase our vulnerability to exploitation; increase our fearfulness and cause frustration with our situation.
It is important to wake up each day with a purpose; to have a place to go; to have something to occupy our time. Volunteer in your community, visit a senior centre, join a group focused on activities you enjoy, take a class or participate in a fitness classe. For seniors living in the Greater Victoria area, many possibilities exist.
Goward House Society opened a renovated heritage house in 1991 as a social, cultural and educational centre for adults over 50. Goward House offers activities such as bridge and duplicate bridge, Tai Chi, exercise classes, art groups, Mah Jong and Spanish and French classes. There’s a cozy tea room offering tea, coffee and simple lunches, and a grand lounge for socializing.
From May to August, Goward House offers monthly barbecue lunches on the outdoor deck. Come and enjoy a barbecue lunch between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Goward House. Wednesday, May 24; Wednesday, June 21; Wednesday, July 19; Tuesday, Aug. 15.
Enjoy barbecued foods for dinner and live music on the back lawn on Tuesday, July 4 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Mark your calendars – you don’t want to miss this one!