The month of July is dedicated to raising awareness to the importance of social wellness. Social wellness is the concept of loving yourself and fostering and nurturing relationships with others. Successfully interacting with others and having a strong social group of family and friends is vital to your overall well-being.
Social wellness promotes and strengthens your mental health, which in turn helps to improve your physical and emotional health. As humans, we aren’t meant to be alone and isolated. We thrive on interaction with others. And summer is the perfect time to do just that. Here are some fun ways seniors can celebrate Social Wellness Month while nurturing their social well-being.
Weekend Cookouts
Who doesn’t like a good barbecue? Take the opportunity this summer and invite your friends over for a weekend cookout. Grill up some of your summer favorites – hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob. Try rotating hosting responsibilities with your friends so no one gets stuck with all the weekly chores that go along with hosting. Also, encourage everyone to bring a buddy. Barbecues are a great way for seniors to make new friends. There’s no pressure, and it’s a relaxing environment.
Ice Cream Social
If barbecues aren’t your thing, or it’s just too darn hot to be outside, opt for air conditioning and ice cream instead. In addition to being Social Wellness Month, July is also Ice Cream Month. Ice cream socials are a great way to bring everyone together for a sweet gathering. They’re easy to plan and don’t require a lot of prep work. You can keep it simple or go all out and provide toppings galore for everyone to enjoy.
Museum Field Trip
Again, if it is too hot to be outdoors this summer, just stay indoors. There are several activities you can partake in inside that will keep you cool. For example, visiting a museum with a group of friends is a fun and safe way to spend a summer day. Plan a museum excursion at a nearby historical center. Check for senior discounts and for any special exhibitions that may be going on.
Stargazing Cocktails
Skip the heat during the day and take advantage of the slightly “cooler” nights by planning a stargazing cocktail gathering. Serve dessert and tasty cocktails or mocktails for those who don’t drink. The peaceful evenings are perfect for unwinding and relaxing with friends. You can have a friendly competition between guests to see who can identify the most constellations to add a little fun to the mix.
It’s Just About Friends
It doesn’t matter what you do. In fact, you don’t have to do anything at all. You can simply invite your friends over and just sit around enjoying a glass of wine while chit-chatting. Just setting aside that time for socializing and nurturing your relationships is enough to help you reap the benefits. Socialization doesn’t have to mean spending the day in a crowd. Just a few close friends and some laughter are all it takes. During Social Wellness Month, make an effort to celebrate your friendships and all the greatness they provide.