Pomerelle Place Senior Living

Why Community Connection Matters in Assisted Living

Written by Pomerelle Place | Nov 7, 2025 5:00:00 AM

Community connection in Burley, ID, can keep seniors engaged while protecting their mental and physical health. You can foster strong senior friendships through the Pomerelle Place senior living community.

According to the University of Michigan's Michigan Medicine, one in three older adults experiences loneliness and isolation. Neglecting social engagement can compromise your mental and physical well-being. It could increase your risk of heart disease, depression, and other serious conditions.

Before that happens, enjoy an assisted living lifestyle in Burley, ID. Discovering social engagement in care can enhance your well-being and quality of life. Read on to discover why social connections matter in assisted living.

What Are the Risk Factors of Social Isolation?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four American adults lacks social and emotional support. Factors that may increase your risk of social isolation and loneliness include:

  • Long-term disability
  • Having a psychiatric or depressive condition
  • Having a chronic disease or condition
  • Being marginalized or discriminated against
  • Having limited/no access to resources (like transportation)
  • Facing unemployment, divorce, or the loss of a loved one

Why Are Senior Friendships Important?

Social isolation may increase your risk of:

  • High blood pressure
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • A weakened immune system
  • Cognitive decline
  • Heart disease
  • Obesity
  • Alzheimer's disease

Maintaining meaningful relationships and engaging in activities may improve your mood. It could give you a sense of purpose and belonging within your community. Here are a few other reasons senior friendships and social engagement in care are important.

Emotional Health

According to the National Council on Aging, depression affects over 21 million US adults annually. Social isolation may increase your risk of depression as you age. Other potential causes include:

  • Financial issues related to retirement
  • Chronic pain
  • Reduced mobility
  • Decreased functional ability
  • Chronic conditions
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Caregiver stress
  • Loneliness

Engaging in fun activities with other seniors can help you avoid these risk factors. You can find fun activities through your community's events and activities calendar.

Engaging in these activities can improve your physical health, which may reduce chronic pain. Staying in good shape could improve your mobility and ability to function. This may improve your mood and emotional health.

Engaging in activities with friends can improve your self-esteem. You can take pride in your ability to create crafts or show off your skills.

Remember, you're not alone. Consult a mental health professional if you experience symptoms of depression due to social isolation, such as:

  • A sense of hopelessness
  • Irritability
  • Apathy
  • Persistent sadness
  • Insomnia or oversleeping
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • A loss of joy in activities you once enjoyed
  • Feeling guilty or worthless
  • Low energy or fatigue
  • A decrease in appetite or overeating
  • Slowed speech or movements
  • Physical pains that don't improve with treatment
  • Persistent digestive issues

Mental Health

Social isolation can affect your mental health. It may potentially contribute to cognitive decline.

Loneliness can cause amyloid-beta and tau proteins to build up in the brain. These proteins are linked with Alzheimer's disease.

Engaging in activities with other seniors may boost your mood and keep your mind sharp. Explore:

  • Educational classes
  • Learning new skills
  • Playing brain games and puzzles
  • Discussion groups

Physical Health

Maintaining strong friendships may encourage you to stay physically active.Ask friends to join you for exercise classes through your senior living community's fitness program. 

Staying physically active may help:

  • Reduce the risk of functional limitations
  • Improve your mood and mental health
  • Manage or prevent chronic health conditions
  • Reduce the risk of premature death

Social Engagement in Care

Explore your Burley, ID senior living community to discover how they encourage social engagement in care. Here are a few programs they may offer.

Exercise

Try to exercise for 150 minutes a week. Your community may offer a range of classes, including:

  • Tai chi
  • Pilates
  • Yoga/chair yoga
  • Weight lifting
  • Resistance band training
  • Stretching
  • Walking or hiking

These classes can boost the production of dopamine and serotonin (brain chemicals that can improve your mood). Attend classes alongside friends who will hold you accountable to participate regularly.

Assisted Living Lifestyle Activities

Engaging in fun activities can enhance your small-town senior life. These activities may include:

  • Arts and crafts (scrapbooking, drawing, painting, etc.)
  • Music classes or music therapy
  • Exercise classes
  • Cooking lessons
  • Dance classes

Explore new hobbies to form fresh neural pathways. Improving your neuroplasticity can improve your mental health and overall wellness.

Meals

Ask friends to join you for meals. Their presence may encourage you to make healthier eating decisions.

Prioritize eating nutritious whole foods, including fruits and vegetables. You can find healthy, delicious meals through your community's dining program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should Seniors Socialize?

Seniors should try to socialize daily to experience benefits. Socializing with your Idaho aging community may help extend your lifespan.

According to a study in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, seniors who socialized daily delayed their time to death by 87% compared to seniors who didn't. To socialize more, try:

  • Exploring your community's events and activities calendar
  • Volunteering
  • Joining friends for meals
  • Calling friends or family members
  • Joining exercise classes

Why Do Seniors Self-Isolate?

Seniors may isolate themselves if they haven't maintained quality social relationships. The loss of loved ones or declining mobility may cause reduced ability or motivation to leave the house. Social connections may become more difficult, leading to social isolation.

Other reasons seniors self-isolate may include:

  • Technology barriers or digital overload
  • Hearing and vision loss
  • Loss of purpose after retirement
  • Family overprotection
  • Grief and cumulative loss
  • Behavioral and cognitive changes

Try expanding your social network by reaching out to members of your Burley community. If you're navigating a recent loss, consider joining a support group.

Find Community Connection in Burley, ID

Prioritizing community connection can benefit your mental and physical health, improving your quality of life and longevity. Remember, you can find opportunities to socialize with your Idaho aging community through Pomerelle Place senior living.

We provide seniors with a unique lifestyle that encourages them to maintain their independence. Discover our signature programs, including Vibrant Life, which allows residents to choose their own schedules, or Elevate Dining for healthy meals. Contact us now to schedule a tour.