10 Tips for Building Relationships in Your Retirement Community

10 Tips for Building Relationships in Your Retirement Community.

When people move into a retirement community, they are often times moving into a community of strangers. It can take time to get to know your neighbors and build new relationships. We’ve listed 10 tips to help you develop those friendships a little faster.

1. Welcome newcomers – There are always newcomers moving in; watch for them. Even if you’re new yourself, you can provide a friendly greeting to make them feel welcome.
2. Grandkids – When your grandkids come for a visit, don’t keep them hidden behind your walls. Take them outside for a walk or down to the lounge areas. Kids always seem to put people at ease and will give you a topic of conversation with people you don’t know well.
3. Committees – Most retirement communities have a variety of committees for coordinating social events and dealing with other issues. Volunteer to serve on one of these committees. It’s a great way to meet people and understand the inner workings of the community.
4. Hospitality – Don’t wait for people to give you invitations, be the first to offer hospitality. Invite someone over to share a meal or a cup of coffee.
5. Transport – If you drive and there are others that don’t, an offer to provide transportation for outings or appointments can be a great way to make friends by being a friend.
6. Walking Buddies – If you others out walking by themselves, offer to walk with them. You could possibly arrange a daily time to meet and walk together. It’s a great way to get to know someone and get your exercise at the same time.
7. Pets – If you are allowed to have pets in your community, they can be a great connecting point. People are usually as eager to talk about their pets as they are about their kids. Showing positive interest in a person’s pets can put you on their good side very quickly.
8. Social Events – If there are social events in the community, make a point to attend them. After all, that is part of the reason they are held, to help people in the community get to know one another.
9. Listen – Nothing will help you build friendships faster than to be a good listener. People want to have someone who they can share their joys, their frustrations and their concerns with. If you are willing to spend some time listening to what they have to say, you’re certain to gain a friend.
10. Holiday cards – Give out holiday cards to your neighbors. Deliver them in person. It is a great excuse to introduce yourself and say hello.

The same advice for most situations holds true for retirement communities. If you want to make friends, the best place to start is by being a friend yourself. Do for others what you would want someone to do for you. Before long, you’ll have lots of new friends.

(source:bestdatingsites.org)

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