Staying Connected in Retirement

Two retired men with three retired women enjoying a conversation on a couch

Moving to a Retirement Community

Retirement should be a joyful part of your life. It’s a time to connect with others, enjoy new opportunities and finally find the time to do everything you always wanted to try. As much as it’s an exciting chapter, you may feel overwhelmed with the transition. Staying connected with others by moving to a retirement community can be your next step to celebrating your golden years in the best way possible.

Besides moving to a caring community, there are several things you can do to maintain healthy relationships and stay connected during your retirement season. Before you officially leave the workforce, you’ll want to know what to expect and have a plan for how to make your retirement years your best.

The Effect of Retirement on Your Family

Your retirement may have an impact on your family. Those with children who still live at home or with young grandchildren will have more opportunity to spend time with them. These extra chances to connect will let you find new ways to strengthen your bond as a family.

With the time you spent commuting and at work now available to invest at home, you can take the chance to make memories, get involved, watch recitals or games, and support your family in ways both big and small.

The Social Effects of Retirement

Many people look forward to retirement as a great opportunity to get involved with a community and be more social. The amount of free and alone time suddenly at your disposal may initially seem intimidating, but it represents an exciting new chapter in your social life.

In retirement, you can realize the dreams and projects you never had time for while working. You can travel, pick up new hobbies or enjoy old pastimes that previously had to take the back burner. You get to spend time with people you love, join social clubs, meet new people and make new connections. With so many opportunities available for retirees, your social calendar and your life will be fuller than ever.

Get Involved in Community Activities

What to Expect From a Retirement Relocation

Moving to a thriving retirement community is an ideal way to find a space where you feel you belong. Many great retirement residences have various activities, socials, volunteer initiatives and opportunities to build friendships. It can be a tremendous blessing and an exciting new beginning for you.

Relocating for your retirement can potentially pose a challenge to your existing relationships, and it may take some work for you to maintain them. Still, it is essential for you to keep in touch with your colleagues, friends and family while cultivating new connections.

How You Can Stay Connected in Retirement

If you are moving to a retirement community, you should still stay connected to your loved ones. Here are three ways to maintain bonds with friends and family and three ways to build new friendships:

Staying Connected

Part of a happy retirement is making the effort to keep up with the people you love.

1. Celebrate Your Family and Friends

Even if you are relocating, you can still keep up with family traditions. If you aren’t able to travel to them, phone your loved ones or do a video conference on their birthdays or important days like graduation. You can also encourage them to visit and invite them for holidays or other celebrations.

Set up a daily, weekly or monthly time to call or see each other to create new routines or traditions.

2. Connect With Your Friends

Retiring gives you the time to reconnect with old friends or keep in touch with new ones. Write letters and emails, make calls or plan virtual lunches.

3. Plan Surprises for Your Loved Ones

With more free time, you can plan surprises for the special people in your life. Create something for them, write down everything you love about them and share it, or have something delivered to them as a sweet, unplanned gift.

Cultivating New Friendships

The best part of moving to a retirement community is the chance to make new acquaintances, experience new adventures and have fun! Try these tips as you build your new social circle:

1. Get Involved

Volunteering or being part of a committee gives you a sense of purpose and is a great way to serve your community.

2. Get Social

Retirement communities often have special events and socials — consider attending these once you relocate. Community events are ideal opportunities to adjust to a retirement lifestyle in a positive way.

3. Befriend an Outgoing Person

If you are more reserved and need someone to inspire you to get social and meet new people, befriend someone who is naturally outgoing in the retirement community. You can even ask the staff or managers to help pair you with a friend.

Moving to a Retirement Community That Cares

We understand that moving to a retirement community requires some adjustment. At Woodcrest Villa, we believe in enriching lives and making retirement a joyful experience.

Contact us today for more information.

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