Finding Your Community After Retirement

Many people root themselves in an area because it’s where their support system is. It provides peace of mind when there’s someone just a phone call away, whether planning a lunch outing or knowing family is around the corner in an emergency. This is what makes a place feel like home – the reassurance that those who care about you are close by. 

Finding like-minded people can take time, and the thought of having to move away from the relationships you spent years fostering can be stressful. You may think, “How do I even make friends as an adult in a new location?”

When you were younger, you had built-in opportunities to meet people at school or at work. Are new friendships possible when you are older? The answer is yes!

If you’re leaving your “tribe” to move to a Life Plan Community, also known as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), you will meet new people. There are activities, events, committee meetings, and happy hours designed for you to get to know your new neighbors.

The good news is a Life Plan Community is full of people who are in the same situation as you. So, embrace the change and the new cast of characters about to enter your life. Your retirement years provide you with time to focus on things that are important to you. Take on new hobbies or volunteer. At a Sequoia Living community, residents have an abundance of events and activities where you can gather with friends, old and new.

It’s nerve-racking to be the “new kid.” After you’ve settled into your new apartment, start nearby. Knock on the doors of your immediate neighbors and introduce yourselves to some of the many new faces you’ll be seeing around your new community. If they moved in before you, they’ll likely have some insider tips that you’ll want to take note of. Get some recommendations for local hotspots and invite them along to join you!  If they also just moved in, you’ve got instant exploration partners!

One of the other wonderful things about community living is that the staff will put together a thoughtful calendar of activities and/or events where residents can come together and mingle. Take advantage of those activities when they come up. Better yet, join the community for a happy hour. Schedule a visit.

Studies show that friendship is more important than ever in your retirement years. Social connectedness is vital to healthy aging. People with larger social networks have been shown to live longer, cope better with health conditions, experience less depression, and have a slower rate of memory decline, among other benefits. Even the most introverted of us need a little company now and then.

You’ll need friends to adventure with, especially if you’re moving to a senior living community that’s in a brand new location for you. There will be so much to explore––places to see, things to do, food to eat––that you’ll want to have someone you can call up and bring along as you familiarize yourself with your new neighborhood.

Sequoia Living communities are situated near retail and dining centers just minutes from local attractions and have all the incomparable resources of the Bay Area. Living at a Sequoia Living Life Plan Community, you’ll enjoy a rich roster of activities at your fingertips.

Make plans to try a new restaurant each week or take a trip to some local attractions, such as the symphony and ballet, or museums, restaurants, and stadiums. Living in the Bay Area offers unmatched convenience to enjoy everything your heart desires.

Moving to a new home is an exciting opportunity to meet new people and create lasting friendships. While it may take a little time to settle in, getting involved in your community can enrich your life and enhance your well-being. Explore a community below and discover what a Life Plan Community can offer you in retirement. Select a community and start your adventure today!