Glendale AZ Senior Living Blog - Westgate Village

How Senior Living in Glendale, AZ Fosters Connection

Written by West Gate Village | Dec 22, 2025 5:00:00 AM

Senior living in Glendale, AZ, can reduce your risk of social isolation and loneliness. An engaging social life may improve your mental and physical health, enhancing your quality of life.

According to a National Poll on Healthy Aging that tracked trends in loneliness, one in three adults aged 50 to 80 (34%) feel isolated from others. About 5% feel isolated often. Social isolation and loneliness may increase your risk of chronic health issues.

Before that happens, consider enjoying senior living in Glendale, AZ. Moving into a Glendale retirement community can give you opportunities to connect and engage.

What is the importance of IL community life, and what can your Westgate, AZ community offer? Read on to find out! 

What Is Social Isolation?

Social isolation means you lack support from or contact with others.Loneliness, on the other hand, is the feeling of being disconnected from people or alone. Even someone with a lot of friends can experience loneliness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in three US adults feels lonely. Another one in four has no social or emotional support.

Both are widespread problems in the US. They can pose serious threats to our mental and physical well-being.

What Is the Importance of Social Life for Seniors?

According to the National Institute on Aging, research has linked social isolation and loneliness with physical and mental health conditions, including:

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

People who engage in meaningful activities with others tend to live longer. Socializing may help improve your mood and provide a sense of purpose. This could enhance your quality of life.

According to a study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, frequent social activity may help prevent or delay dementia in seniors. It could help decrease your risk of mild cognitive impairment.

Engaging with members of your senior living community may help strengthen neural circuits in the brain. This can make the brain more resistant to the buildup of pathology that occurs naturally with age.

IL Community Life

Engaging in IL community life may benefit your mental and physical well-being. Here are a few ways you can engage with members of your Westgate, AZ, community.

Volunteering

Volunteering with members of your Glendale community may enhance your sense of purpose and belonging. Other potential benefits include:

  • Develop new skills
  • Reduce the risk of social isolation and loneliness
  • Bridge the generation gap
  • Engage in old interests
  • Keep the brain active
  • Meet new friends
  • Reduced risk of depression
  • Set and accomplish new goals

You can find volunteer opportunities through your local senior living community.

Hobbies

You can discover new hobbies and passions through your senior living community's events and activities calendar. These may include:

  • Sculpting
  • Mahjong
  • Card games and poker tournaments
  • Bingo
  • Gardening
  • Knitting
  • Quilting
  • Sewing
  • Crocheting
  • Music and art therapy
  • Pet therapy
  • Music lessons
  • Dance classes
  • Baking and cooking classes
  • Movie and book club
  • Birdwatching

These activities can stimulate the body and mind. Participating can help you meet other seniors who share your interests.

Fitness Classes

Exercising can stimulate the mind and body.You can meet new friends through your senior living community's fitness program, including:

  • Pilates
  • Tai chi
  • Yoga or chair yoga
  • Body weight exercises
  • Resistance band training
  • Aerobic activity or HIIT classes
  • Walking or hiking groups
  • Water aerobics or swimming
  • Weight lifting

Ask friends to join you. You can hold each other accountable and keep each other motivated. Other benefits of exercising with friends include:

  • Reduced risk of social isolation and loneliness
  • Safety
  • Learn new techniques and exercises
  • Accountability and motivation
  • Consistency
  • Reduced stress
  • Improved mood
  • Healthy competition

Sharing these experiences with friends can make them feel less like a chore. You may be more inclined to exercise regularly long-term.

Dining

Spend meals alongside friends. You can enjoy meals through your senior living community's dining program. Eating together may help:

  • Foster connection and lasting friendships
  • Boost your mental and physical well-being
  • Decrease feelings of loneliness
  • Reduce the risk of social isolation
  • Improve your self-esteem
  • Improve your communication and socializing skills
  • Encourage healthy eating habits

Consider taking a cooking or baking class alongside friends. You can learn how to make nutritious, delicious dishes while making new memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Risk Factors for Social Isolation?

Conditions and experiences that may increase a person's risk of social isolation and loneliness include:

  • Having limited access to transportation
  • Language barriers
  • Living in distant or rural areas
  • Facing a divorce or the loss of a loved one
  • Having a chronic disease or condition
  • Facing a long-term disability
  • Having a psychiatric or depression condition
  • Being marginalized or discriminated against
  • Facing unemployment

Older adults face a higher risk of social isolation and loneliness. Other at-risk groups include:

  • Immigrants
  • Low-income adults
  • Young adults
  • Adults who live alone
  • People who identify as queer

Consider moving into a senior living community if you believe you're at risk. Surrounding yourself with a caring community may help you avoid social isolation and loneliness.

How Often Should Seniors Socialize?

Try to socialize with members of your Glendale retirement community at least once a day. According to research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, frequent socializing is linked to a longer lifespan in older adults.

The "time to death" was delayed by 42% for those who socialized occasionally. For those who socialized nearly every day, it was delayed by 87%.

Enjoy Senior Living in Glendale, AZ

Socializing is an important part of senior living in Glendale, AZ. Forging strong, meaningful friendships can benefit your mental and physical well-being. You can find more opportunities to connect with seniors in your Westgate, AZ, senior living community. 

Westgate Village is now offering newly renovated apartment homes. We're enhancing our Independent Living with supportive services that elevate comfort, style, and convenience for today's active seniors.

Enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle through our exclusive senior lifestyle programs, including chef-prepared meals and restaurant-style dining, an exciting calendar of events like bingo and local excursions, and fitness classes like yoga. Contact us now to schedule your tour.