1. Introduce Yourself to Neighbors

Once you settle into your new home, venture out to meet your neighbors. If you run into someone in the community, greet them and introduce yourself. Another option is knocking on your neighbors' doors to let them know you just moved in near them. People are often excited to meet new residents and may offer to show you around or introduce you to others.

Once you start to meet people, invite them to your assisted living apartment to learn more about them. A movie night or game night works well to break the ice. When you find a group of neighbors you enjoy spending time with, consider hosting regular get-togethers in your apartment.

2. Engage With the Staff

Getting to know the staff may help you feel more at home in your new community. They've helped many other residents transition after the move-in process. Staff members are familiar with all the campus has to offer and can suggest activities and ways to get involved that match what you enjoy. They can also help you meet other residents. The caregivers at Bethesda Gardens Arlington get to know residents to personalize their care. They'll help you feel at home with their warm, compassionate and selfless approach to care.

3. Eat in the Dining Room

At Bethesda Gardens Arlington, we offer restaurant-style meals with anytime dining available. Make the most of your mealtimes by joining other residents in the dining room, which is often a hub of socialization on any senior living campus and an ideal way for you to meet fellow residents. Instead of sitting by yourself, find others to sit with when you eat your meals.

4. Explore the Grounds

Simply exploring what the community has to offer helps you feel involved. Wandering around the campus is an effective way to discover the amenities that are available. As you're learning about the shared spaces, you'll likely run into other residents who are enjoying those amenities. Introduce yourself to people you meet along the way.

Start using the community spaces regularly to bump into more people. You may find new friends with shared interests there. For example, Bethesda Gardens Arlington has an activity center where you can challenge others to a game of cards and a TV lounge where you can root for your favorite team along with other fans.

5. Participate in Planned Activities

Senior communities schedule several planned activities daily that residents can participate in for no additional cost. Find out where your new community posts the calendar of activities so you can start participating right away. The options are usually diverse to fit different interests. Examples at Bethesda Gardens Arlington include holiday events, exercise, art, movies, games and watching sporting events. By participating, you enjoy a fun activity that keeps you mentally and physically stimulated while meeting several residents at once.

6. Join a Club

Some senior communities organize clubs or groups based on interests. Examples include walking clubs, book clubs and Bible study groups. Joining a club connects you to a smaller group of residents. The repeated meetings give you a chance to learn more about them and develop friendships. Plus, the groups give you a way to enjoy a hobby or explore a new interest.

7. Pursue Your Hobbies

Continuing to pursue your hobbies after your move can support your mental health by giving you something engaging, enjoyable and familiar to do. It could also give you something to talk about with your new neighbors. For instance, you might start a windowsill garden of herbs in your assisted living apartment. When you eat meals in the dining room, you can talk about your plants, or you might want to share some of the fresh herbs with your neighbors. Having a topic to discuss can make it easier to start conversations.

8. Keep Yourself Active

Staying active helps you stay mobile and healthy as you age. Senior exercise activities also offer a way to get involved in your new community. Group exercise programs provide a socialization opportunity while you keep yourself active. Some communities feature on-site fitness facilities or walking trails where you can exercise on your own and meet other people who are doing the same.

9. Invite Friends and Family to Visit

Sometimes a visit from friends or family is just what you need to feel more settled in your new community. You get to see the friendly faces of familiar people, and you can show them around your new community. Having them join you for a meal in the dining room encourages socialization and helps them become more familiar with your new home. Your loved ones or friends might start chatting with staff members and other residents, which could help you make new connections.

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