The 6 Points of Connection That Retirees Need to Combat Loneliness
Ageing comes naturally with a decline in physical strength, but one of the biggest risks to health can be associated with loneliness. Research shows that community connections in retirees can decrease the risk of serious health issues while boosting mental wellness. In fact, there are ‘6 Points of Connection’ that have been identified as actionable ways people can create meaningful connections for a happier life.
Identified by the non-profit organisation, The US Chamber of Connection, the 6 Points of Connection are essentially a checklist of how people can strengthen social bonds. These six points, which are rooted in extensive research, address the core elements of social connection including safety, emotional bonding, bridging social divides, and civic engagement.
“In retirement, creating and maintaining these connections becomes even more important, but as you grow older, families move away, making it much more challenging to attain this sense of connect,” explains Barto van der Merwe, Managing Director of Renishaw Property Developments which includes the mature lifestyle village, Renishaw Hills.
“We’ve found that retirement estates designed with active and community living at heart will support these 6 Points of Connection more profoundly than living in a standalone home. In secure estates, retirees can enjoy their privacy while also benefitting from connections through community events, charitable organisations, outdoor activities, and engagements tailored to their interests.”
What are the 6 Points of Connection?
1. Neighbour Emergency Contact
It’s important, at any age, to have a neighbour to rely on in emergencies for both personal well-being as well as creating safer, more connected communities. In a retirement estate, individual homes are afforded privacy while the security of the estate encourages more social interaction. Neighbours always look out for each other out of care and concern.
2. Community of Identity
People feel most comfortable and understood when they belong to a community with a shared identity. This sense of shared connectedness is fostered at retirement estates by the various hobby groups, outdoor engagements, and civic-minded organisations that bring like-minded individuals together.
3. One-on-One Weekly Social Interactions
People need at least two meaningful social interactions outside of work or home every week to maintain their emotional wellbeing. Retirees living alone are most at risk of missing out on these social interactions, which is why moving to a retirement estate is so beneficial. There are constantly weekly and monthly engagements planned, with a community of friends always willing to include new members.
4. Third Place
Another important element of emotional wellbeing is having a third place outside of work or home for social interactions. This could be a café, park, gym, or community centre where friends gather to learn new things, engage in a new hobby, or simply chat over a cup of coffee. Retirement estates are designed around such communal centres and outdoor sites, providing this much-needed ‘third place’.
5. Active Community
Having a community of like-minded individuals is beneficial, but it’s also important to find a community with a shared passion or interest. This creates an opportunity, for retirees in particular, to connect with people across social, cultural, or economic boundaries through a mutual interest, whether it’s a new sports activity or hobby.
6. Community Service
Finally, volunteering has been shown to reduce stress, enhance wellbeing, and promote mental health. Retirement estates have various community service offerings that draw on the existing skills of its residents. Whether it’s crafting, upskilling local entrepreneurs, or fundraising for local animal shelters, community service better strengthens society.
Renishaw Hills: Keeping Residents Connected!
Located in Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast within the 1 300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct, Renishaw Hills is a mature lifestyle village, thoughtfully designed around these principles. Far from being just an active retirement community, Renishaw Hills is a premier mature lifestyle estate for individuals over 50, offering a vibrant lifestyle.
This premier lifestyle destination that offers:
- Exceptional amenities, communal facilities, and a brand-new bowls green under construction.
- More than 20 active clubs for hobbies and interests, including the Granny Grommets!
- Charitable groups such as Projects with a Purpose.
- Affordable levies covering exterior maintenance, garden services, refuse collection, postal services, fibre optic WiFi, 24/7 security, and healthcare options.
- Water security, with an independent water supply ensuring uninterrupted access for residents.
- An area renowned for its incredible nature assets such as superb beaches – Blue Flag beaches among them – as well as lush coastal forests with extensive mountain biking and hiking trails.
Get in touch!
For more details about Renishaw Hills or to arrange a tour, contact Kelly at 064 198 2693, email sales@renishawhills.co.za, or visit www.renishawhills.co.za. Check out the available units at Renishaw Hills: https://renishawhills.co.za/available-units/.