Make new connections and support your community!
There’s something special about a close-knit neighborhood where people make an effort to connect with one another. Working together with your neighbors to improve the place you live can be fulfilling, and it’s an excellent way for seniors (or anyone!) to meet new people too!
If you’re wondering how to get involved with your neighborhood, here are some ideas to get you inspired:
- Volunteer on a board or committee
- Organize a neighborhood cleanup
- Join or start a club
- Host game nights
- Have a potluck or picnic
- Teach a class
- Walk with your neighbors
Whether you live in a single-family home, an apartment, a condo, or a senior living community, these ideas will help you stay connected and build relationships with your neighbors. Let’s explore them!
Volunteer on a board or committee
Many communities have boards or committees that plan events and help make development decisions for the neighborhood. By volunteering on one of these committees, you’ll have an opportunity to get to know your neighbors and help contribute to the local community. For example, you could be involved in organizing a yearly block party or the events that take place in your senior living community. Or you can join a group that does ongoing work, like a neighborhood advisory committee.
Organize a neighborhood cleanup
If your neighborhood has some areas that could use a little beautification, why not organize a neighborhood cleanup day? It’s one of the best ways to get to know your neighbors, enjoy some fresh air and sunshine, and tidy up your community at the same time. You can collect donations to cover the cost of supplies, then invite everyone to come together for a day and pick up litter, pull weeds, clean up playgrounds, or even paint public benches. This is one of the easiest ways to get community engagement when learning how to get involved with your neighborhood!
Join or start a club
Clubs are a great way to stay active and involved with like-minded people in your area. Whether you join an existing club or start your own, the options are virtually endless. Book clubs, community gardening groups, golf or tennis teams, and cooking clubs are just a few of the popular groups that seniors often enjoy. Check your local community center, activity board, online forum, or the Meetup website to see what’s nearby! If options are sparse, consider starting the kind of club you’d like to join.
Host game nights
Game nights are great opportunity for a relaxed setting where everyone can get to know each other. Card games, board games, and trivia games are all popular choices for a fun-filled game night. All you need is a few tables, chairs, and snacks, and you’re ready to go! You can host these get-togethers at your home, book your neighborhood’s community room or clubhouse, or contact a local library, game store, or café to see if they can accommodate a game group.
Have a potluck or picnic
Potlucks and picnics are a great way to get to know your neighbors as you share favorite recipes and swap stories. Start small by asking your closest neighbors if they’re interested and getting them involved in the planning. Community parks are a nice place to hold events like this during the warmer months. Bring some activities to keep the fun going, like Frisbee, bean-bag toss, or badminton equipment.
Teach a class
If you have a special skill or knowledge that you’d like to share with your community, why not teach a class? You could teach a class on photography, cooking, painting, or another hobby that you enjoy. This is a wonderful way to enrich the lives of those around you and experience the fulfillment that comes from sharing something you’re good at.
Walk with your neighbors
Walking with your neighbors is a great way to stay active and socialize at the same time. You can plan a regular walking route around your neighborhood and form closer bonds with every walk. Plan to do your walk at a specific time each week and give an open invitation to your neighbors to join you! See our tips on how to start a walking routine here.
No matter how you choose to get involved, the important thing is that you’re taking steps to become more connected to your local community. Learning how to get involved with your neighborhood has many social and health benefits. So get out there, get involved, and start building relationships with your neighbors. You’ll be surprised at how rewarding it can be!
For more senior wellness and lifestyle tips, keep reading the CapTel blog!
