Dale Carnegie’s classicHow to Win Friends and Influence Peopleintroduced the idea that success in life is based on effective communication and building relationships – also two key components of making and keeping friends. What Carnegie couldn’t have known back in 1936 was that winning friends also helps you live longer. A 10-yearAustralian studyfound that in people over age 70, those with the largest number of friends outlived those with the smallest number by 22 per cent.
That study is just one of many, cementing the fact that friends make us happyandhealthy. But it can still be a little daunting to make new ones – especially if you’re moving to a new home in a retirement, assisted living or long term care residence.
Here are 4 tips to make new connections:
1. Attend welcome events
搬到一个新家可能会有点吓人，尤其是如果你天生害羞的话。你很容易退到自己的套房，告诉自己稍后再来。但欢迎活动是认识其他新居民的完美场所。也不要错过在这些活动中与员工交流的机会;他们会帮助你认识更多的人。可以问这样的问题:“你知道在这所住宅里有谁对[爱好]感兴趣吗?”或者“在餐厅与人见面的最佳时间是什么时候?”
2. Explore your new home
Go for a walk in your new residence, stopping to introduce yourself to others who may be strolling the halls or the gardens. Even if you have a TV in your suite, visit the TV lounge to watch shows. Movie nights or residence events are another easy way to meet new people, giving a built-in topic to chat about. And don’t forget the dining room or bistro as prime territory to establish friendships.
3. Get busy
如今，许多高级居住住宅都有一个令人难以置信的活动日历，根据居民的独特兴趣和激情量身定制。通常，新住户会兴奋地说他们比以前更忙，更有成就感，只是因为他们发现了(或重新发现)一项他们喜欢的活动。其中一部分是通过共同的娱乐活动结交朋友的乐趣，比如编织小组、纸牌比赛、慈善活动或主题晚餐和夜晚。
4. Sign up for outings
Many residences have regular bus trips for shopping and outings to events and attractions. Joining an outing is a great opportunity to make a new friend or two. On the bus, sit beside someone you don’t know and introduce yourself. It’s easy to talk about where you’re going, ask for advice about the outing, and maybe even re-connect on the return trip.
Chartwell’s LiveNowlife enrichment programming offers residents numerous ways to make friends, keep active and stay healthy and engaged. To learn more about our program, or download asample activity calendar