When researching retirement communities in your area, consider that each one is a little neighborhood. Like most moves to a new neighborhood, you'll need to find where you fit in with the people around you. Here are a few ways to meet and learn from the people in your new community and how you can contribute to its well-being.
Get Involved with the Neighborhood Association
This is a group that meets to discuss their desires and concerns with the administrative team for the facility. The goal of the group is to make sure the facility is maintained properly and to address any issues the residents experience. You will meet many of your neighbors at these meetings and learn what is important to them. You'll also get a sense for how the administrative staff respond to the retirement community's residents.
Sign Up for Resident-Led Classes
Residents can share their skills and knowledge with others by holding classes in the facility. From quilting to dancing, there may be a variety of classes from which to choose. Taking classes will introduce you to more of your neighbors and you'll learn about their favorite hobbies and passions.
Teach a Class
If you're comfortable sharing this way, then offer to hold a class about a particular passion you have. It rarely matters what the topic is because people like to learn new and different skills. Teaching a class will get you in touch with even more of the residents and you will earn the reputation of someone who enjoys giving back to the community.
Become a Resident Guru
Hold question and answer sessions in a common area where you can help the residents with certain tasks. Help people connect with friends and family through social networks. Give advice on maintaining a stable investment portfolio. Help people find new and interesting online classes that they can take to stimulate their minds. This is another way to show that you are interested in supporting the retirement community.
Start a Fitness Group
Organized groups help people get involved in fitness activities when they struggle to do so on their own. A walking or bicycling group encourages people to join in and get some exercise. If the facility has an exercise room, hold group workout sessions that help people to increase their exercise levels. You will get valuable exercise for yourself as you encourage others to participate in the group.
For more information about engaging with your community, take some time to learn about the specific activities a community like Heritage Commons may offer.
