Maintaining a rich social life after retirement is essential for a healthy mind and body, just as it is for persons of any age. As poet Edward Young succinctly said, “Friendship's the wine of life.” Or, in the words of author Linda Grayson, “There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.”

At Canterbury-on-the-Lake in Waterford, Michigan, residents enjoy endless everyday opportunities to socialize and form meaningful friendships. Our amenities-rich campus includes beautifully landscaped grounds, dozens of engaging activities, a diverse events calendar, and day trips and outings to the local community. We give a lot of thought and care to offering a wide range of social opportunities for seniors — here’s why:

Bolster Your Emotional Health

Staying socially active has been proven to minimize the risks and symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Whether it's through in-person conversations or a simple phone call, staying connected during retirement plays a significant role in maintaining your emotional and overall well-being.

But why is this? The key to emotional health lies in the brain. Engaging in regular social activities activates the amygdala, the part of our system that governs emotions and memories, which is essential for maintaining a balanced mood and emotional stability. Retirement communities like Canterbury-on-the-Lake, with a wide range of social opportunities and activities, are crucial in helping seniors build and sustain meaningful connections, ultimately supporting both their mental and emotional health.

Strengthen Your Physical Health

Regular participation in social activities after retirement can also significantly lower the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. The social benefits of exercise for older adults can be found in group activities such as biking, walking, and exercise classes, which encourage physical movement, healthy habits, and bonding with neighbors and friends. At Canterbury-on-the-Lake, we provide a variety of engaging amenities, including a fitness center, robust activities calendar, and group sports and exercise classes, all designed to enrich your social life after retirement.

Improve Your Memory and Cognitive Function

The social benefits of exercise and group activities for older adults extend beyond physical health to better memory and cognitive function. Maintaining relationships and engaging in conversations helps maintain and build neural networks in our brains, which are crucial for both short- and long-term memory retention. Socializing in retirement also fosters meaningful relationships, which can be essential to living a fulfilling and engaging life.

Ready to Get Started?

Here are some simple ways to get started on expanding your social life:

• Get involved in group activities: Whether you join a crafting class, an exercise program, or a sports team, participating in group activities is a fantastic way to connect with new people and create lasting bonds over common interests.
• Gather for meals with loved ones: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are ideal times to catch up with friends and family, plan your day together, or reminisce about recent experiences.
• Volunteer or support local causes: Volunteering or fundraising for community organizations is a wonderful way to contribute while also meeting others who share your values and passions.

Enjoy a Rich Social Life at Canterbury-on-the-Lake

Senior living communities like Canterbury-on-the-Lake offer countless opportunities for socializing in retirement, perfect for maintaining old friendships and forming new ones. With a variety of activities, sports, restaurant-style meals, and events, Canterbury-on-the-Lake helps seniors share, laugh, and socialize through communal activities. Contact us to learn more and discover if our welcoming retirement community is the right fit for you.