Not ready yet? For seniors who think that staying in their homes makes more sense than moving into a senior living community such as Brightmore of Wilmington, or a Continuing Care Retirement Community such as Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall, I would like to suggest that they reconsider. Unaware of the negative impacts of isolation, many seniors choose to remain in their home and live alone. An unfortunate side effect of this phenomenon is that many lose the motivation to maintain an active social life, which can be critical to a person’s mental and physical well-being.

It may seem obvious to say that we need people around to engage with us socially and intellectually to ensure that our brains don’t turn to mush, but I found an interesting article recently on SeniorCare.com that takes the idea a step further. According to new research in the article, isolation and a lack of socialization is as bad for an individual’s physical well-being as being a habitual smoker or a heavy drinker.

After a moment of reflection, it definitely makes sense. Taking into account the widespread belief that a baby left unattended and without human affection will experience a wide range of severe emotional consequences, why is it hard to understand that seniors in an isolated situation would also experience negative impacts on their health?

An important aspect of the wellness program here is focused on building a sense of community. We offer a variety of programs and events aimed at providing our residents with the chance to get together and enjoy each other’s company, as well as expanding their intellect with stimulating educational programs. Our goal is to help the residents get the most out of their retirement and embrace life through programs such as the Brightmore 50+ Lifelong Learning Service.

As an example, we recently hosted Sunny Senior Beach Day with Ocean Cure, a locally based nonprofit dedicated to helping people by using the healing power of the ocean. The event was held in front of the new boardwalk at Carolina Beach and included fun, surf and building sandcastles for the residents of Brightmore of Wilmington. At the event, Brightmore resident Betty Rorie went surfing for the first time.

At 84 years young, Rorie does not fit the expected profile a beginning surfer. She was quoted as saying that, “They told us a few days ago that we were going out for a day of sun and surfing. I said, 'Surfing for us? Good grief! I want to see what that’s all about!'” 

Rorie, who was later joined by several other ladies in her watery adventure, referenced the fact that Brightmore of Wilmington offers a wealth of activities for residents. She explained: “We could sit around and do nothing, but who wants to do that?”

A few of the highlights from events in the past few months include a talk about the history of the American Legion; a celebration of the Yoo-hoo Chocolate Drink, where the residents got together for moon pies and old movies; and a visit from Brightmore's own Chef Ryan, who demonstrated how to make fruit mint salads.

For more information about activities and wellness offerings provided by Brightmore of Wilmington or Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall, contact me at 910-332-1783, or by email at [email protected]. Visit the communities on the web at www.BrightmoreofWilmington.com, or www.CarolinaBayatAutumnHall.com.      

Cindy Stancil is President of Liberty Senior Living Management Services, LLC.  Leveraging 30 years of experience in senior and assisted living, Stancil manages operations at four senior living campuses under the Liberty Senior Living umbrella, including Brightmore of Wilmington, Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall, and Kempton of Wilmington. Liberty Senior Living Management Services LLC is a division of Liberty Healthcare Companies, a locally owned and operated company that provides a comprehensive approach to patient care.  Cindy Stancil may be reached at 910-332-1783, or via email at [email protected].  Visit Brightmore of Wilmington or Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall on the web at www.BrightmoreofWilmington.com, or www.CarolinaBayatAutumnHall.com.