THE IMPORTANCE OF FRIENDSHIPS AFTER RETIREMENT

MOVING TO A RETIREMENT VILLAGE DOESN’T MEAN YOUR FRIENDSHIPS ARE LEFT BEHIND

On the contrary. Faircape Life has made friendships, relationships, and socialising, a priority in our retirement villages.

We all face challenges in our lives, whether it be physical, mental, or emotional. Sadly; we have no manual to navigate these. We do however have friends – better than any manual you could ask for.

5 Important benefits of having a friend include:

1. Physical and mental health

Friends inspire you to get up and go – literally. Morning walks, afternoon strolls through the forest and pilates classes in the comfort of your own home.

They challenge you mentally. Think Scrabble and a glass of wine, Bridge in the games room, or a good old debate – how uneventful would the world be if all our opinions were the same?

Simply having someone to talk to reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.

Looking after your physical and mental health should not take a back seat.

2. Support when losing a partner or spouse

Losing your partner is one of the most difficult challenges you may need to face. Friends are there to provide support in a myriad of ways, whether it is much-needed emotional support, preparing ready-to-eat meals so that you don’t have to, or simply being a shoulder to cry on; a crutch to keep you going.

3. Motivation

We all need a bit of a push at times.

A resident of Tokai Estate Retirement recently achieved her Master’s Degree in Visual Arts from the University of Stellenbosch, at the age of 80. Wow! When asked what inspired her to take on this new goal, she stated that “My four children all live overseas and I was, quite simply, compelled to realign the algorithm in my head. Later that year, a friend came to visit and said quite bluntly. ‘You have no choice but to rethink your life, go back to study. Do your Master’s. It will be marvellous for you.’ “

Click here to read the full article.

Rosemary achieved her Master’s Degree from the University of Stellenbosch

4. Cuddles with a 4-legged friend

Let’s be honest. Nothing comes close.

Friendship comes in all shapes and sizes, even covered in fur, with 4 legs and a trigger-happy tongue.

Dog cuddles
Best cuddles!

5. Sharing life experiences with like-minded people

You’re no longer working and may be thinking “What will I do with my time?” The exciting thought is that you can do absolutely anything you want to!!! You can work through the list of things you’ve always had to delay because life “is just too busy” Wake up early to watch the sun rise, go on that hike you’ve always wanted to, knit blankets for a children’s home or take a pottery class! These experiences are so much better when shared with friends.

HOW FAIRCAPE LIFE RETIREMENT VILLAGES HELP BUILD FRIENDSHIPS

Faircape Life’s Retirement Villages offer:

  • Clubhouses with:
    • a coffee shop for coffee dates with the girls, or a birthday celebration with a special friend;
    • a recreation room for weekly movie nights and game days;
    • a bar for Friday night darts;
    • a fully equipped gym to stick to your fitness goals;
    • a library for regular book reviews and to keep your mind stimulated; and
    • an indoor heated swimming pool
  • Beautiful communal gardens
  • Catering options for when you want to entertain without the hassle of cooking
  • Themed dinner functions
  • Regular outings to wine farms, theatres, and museums (to name a few)
  • Various social and fitness groups including hiking, golf, arts and crafts, and pilates

OUR FINAL THOUGHTS

Seniors playing games
Friends enjoying dinner and games

We are social beings – it’s the way we were made. Whether it’s a morning walk to take in what the beautiful world has to offer, sharing a glass of wine while reminiscing about the good old days when a litre of petrol didn’t break the bank, or a road trip to a much-loved holiday home, we need our friends.

Friendships are beautiful and we should make every effort possible to maintain these

Faircape takes great joy in being there to see these friendships flourish.

Is there a reason you’re leaving?

*by including your email you agree to our Privacy Policy