Lessons from Blue Zones: Social Connections Can Be a Key to Longevity for Seniors
A National Geographic study from the early 2000s identified several “Blue Zones” around the world where people tend to enjoy longer, healthier lives. What do all these places have in common? Robust communities that plant the seeds of socialization and meaningful relationships.
Social connections keep seniors engaged and motivated to live life to the fullest—yielding numerous life and health benefits, like lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of disease. And the good news is, you don’t have to travel to a Blue Zone halfway around the world to find a supportive, tight-knit group of neighbors. All you need to do is visit The Village at Germantown senior living community.
Cultivating Mental Wellness Among Friends Who Feel Like Family
Research into Blue Zones suggests that active socialization can play a key role in maintaining mental wellness for seniors. Even better, regular social interaction has been shown to lower stress and promote healthy habits like exercising and eating well.
At The Village, our monthly calendar is overflowing with opportunities to socialize—including Tai Chi, lectures, Drama Club, religious study, poker night, happy hours and much more. And no matter which activity you choose, there’s always room for one more.
“There are no cliques at The Village,” one resident points out. “I feel comfortable just being myself and doing things I enjoy, like playing poker, singing and strumming my ukulele. Also, when the dining room hosts events like mystery dinners, I never have to worry about being seated next to someone I don’t like, because I truly like everybody here.”
Finding Companionship and Comfort
If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it confirmed that seclusion and loneliness can be serious risk factors for health. On the other hand, deep social ties—like those found in Blue Zones—have been shown to dramatically increase longevity.
One thing that sets The Village at Germantown apart from other senior living communities is the spirit of camaraderie that flows through every corridor. From the moment folks arrive they become part of our family, and we become part of theirs. “During our first month here, we were a bit exhausted because somebody new invited us to a meal every day,” one resident laughs.
Another active senior who arrived here in 2019 discovered that friends really can be family that you choose. “I worked until I was 77 and moved to The Village because my relatives are scattered and I didn’t want to come home to an empty house,” she explains. “Now the people here have become my family, and their companionship has been great for my soul. It’s a happy place to be.”
The social connections seniors form at The Village are also reflected in the way folks look after their neighbors in assisted living and memory care. “Every Monday, I go to the healthcare center and play the piano for an hour or so,” a resident volunteer says. “One guy used to be in a glee club, and he sings along with every song I play. It’s a great feeling to bring back memories for him.”
A Supportive Community Makes Challenging Times Easier
Folks who live in Blue Zones aren’t immune from life’s ups and downs. But they do share a social support network that fosters a sense of community and provides a safe space to help them through stressful times. It’s the same at The Village. Here, neighbors and staff care for each other through thick and thin, just as a family would.
“My husband was showing signs of dementia,” one five-year resident recalls, “so having multiple levels of health care was certainly a blessing. But even more comforting was knowing that, no matter what the future held, I would always have dining companions, bridge partners and an entire community to support me.”
Our welcoming Germantown retirement community is rounded out by our talented staff committed to top-tier service. Their dedication was on full display when water pressure was briefly interrupted due to utility company work, as one resident recalls. “Staff members carried water bottles to apartments and villas and even made runs to the grocery store to make sure nobody had to do without.”
Experience Our Family-Like Atmosphere for Yourself
Research into Blue Zones supports the idea that strong social connections among seniors can help increase longevity. But folks at The Village don’t need a scientific paper to see why belonging matters. As one resident observes: “One of my dinner companions is 102 years old, and she’s one of the ‘youngest’ people here!”
To schedule your visit to our supportive senior living community—complete with gracious amenities and bountiful opportunities to learn and grow—call us at 901-737-4242.