The Vista Blog

If you are considering a move to a senior living community, the endless opportunities to meet new people may be one of the driving factors behind your decision. At The Vista, Bergen County’s premier continuing care retirement community, the greatest benefit is the life-enriching relationships between the residents, who often go from neighbors to family quickly.

The Three Pillars of Adult Friendship

Author Mel Robbins has a simple philosophy on the three key components for building friendships as an adult.

1. Proximity: Physical closeness facilitates bond-building, and in senior living, you will enjoy a close-knit community where you see familiar faces every day.
2. Timing: Friendships flourish best when two people are in the same place in life – like in a retirement community! Being among your peers who are all enjoying retirement will ensure your schedules, priorities, and interests align.
3. Energy: For a fulfilling friendship to develop, the chemistry has to be right. Luckily in senior living, you’ll meet such a diverse group of people that you’re bound to find the ones you click with

While making friends in senior living is easy, being the new person in town often feels intimidating. It may take a bit of effort, but the bonds you build will be worth it.

Check the Calendar

Your new senior living community likely has a full calendar of exciting events and activities to join and meet new people. Grab a copy to stay up-to-date on the fun programs that interest you, such as arts-and-crafts, game nights, fitness classes, and off-site group outings. Participating in activities is a great way to break the ice and mingle with others.

At The Vista, residents enjoy a vibrant lifestyle packed with fun socials, happy hours, and special dinner events where they enjoy one another’s company.

“The people here are tops,” said Elaine Goodman, a resident of The Vista. “I’ve made so many friends in a short time.”

“The Vista is a very friendly environment,” said Frank Nusspickel, another Vista resident. “People are anxious to meet you, introduce themselves, and get you involved.”

Be Out and About

As a new resident, your neighbors will likely be anxious to meet you. Many residents of senior living communities mention the close-knit, friendly environment as one of their favorite aspects of life in their new home. Be sure to make yourself seen in common areas so that other residents can introduce themselves and help make you feel at home.

At The Vista, residents often invite newcomers to join them for an activity or share a meal at one of the community’s on-site restaurants.

Be Yourself – and Be Patient

While you may be apprehensive about making new friends, remember most people who move to a senior living community do so to take advantage of the many social opportunities and engaging lifestyle. They are likely just as anxious to make friends as you are!

Remember to be yourself – but also to step out of your comfort zone. Making great, long-lasting friendships is simple when you are open-minded, positive, and receptive to new experiences. You will likely meet people from many different walks of life in your new community, leading to many meaningful and enriching connections. Don’t be afraid to learn from your new neighbors, embrace your differences, and find comfort in the camaraderie of your new community.

Explore Vibrant Senior Living at The Vista

If you think an engaging lifestyle filled with meaningful friendships is right for you, we would love to tell you more about The Vista. To learn more about life in northern New Jersey’s premier continuing care retirement community, please call (201) 548-3557 or visit TheVista.org/Contact.