Seniors Get to Know Their Neighbors

Fostering a Sense of Community Has Value for Older Adults

Aug 10, 2009

Since one of the risks of aging can be a sense of isolation, getting to know one's neighbors goes a long way toward enriching the lives of all concerned.

There are a number of reasons and advantages for seniors to become acquainted with the neighbors. From waving and chatting across the driveway to participating in National Night Out, there are opportunities to familiarize oneself with the neighborhood and its residents. The rewards involve improved safety for all, a better sense of community which combats loneliness, and at times help holding a ladder or putting in a light bulb when needed.

Knowing Neighbors Can Reduce Feelings of Isolation in Seniors

Even though population has risen, a sense of isolation has also risen among many people in today's society, especially seniors. This makes it imperative for communities to band together while getting to know the neighbors.

Feeling connected with neighbors increases a sense of community not only in seniors but with community members of any age. At that point, people aren't just living at an address; they are living in a neighborhood. Such identity with the group helps prevent or reduce the loneliness so many seniors deal with on a regular basis. Being a part of the block enlarges one's world in a positive way.

Many seniors have family members who live elsewhere. Bonding with their neighbors gives a direct sense of family or a bit of closeness one might associate with families. The perception may change from "living alone" to "living next to . . ."

Seniors Who Know Their Neighbors Improve Safety for All

As seniors and boomers get to know their neighbors, they become familiar with their routines, and usually develop a trusting relationship with some. There are times that the seniors may be the only ones at home during the day, making them crucial in watching over the neighborhood. The participation of older adults in crime watch activities can be vital.

National Night Out, held on August 4 in all states but Texas (held on October 6) provides an opportunity for seniors and their neighbors to get acquainted. NNO stresses the value of involvement in one's community to reduce crime. As people take ownership of their living spaces, problems in the neighborhood tend to improve.

So visit across the driveway, walk over and get acquainted if the neighbor is in the yard, or even take cookies to their door and get the conversation started. That very contact may be the neighbor to be depended upon in a time of need or stress since neighbors who know each other tend to watch over each other.

Advantages to Neighbors Who Befriend a Senior Next Door

Seniors need to get to know their neighbors. It reduces feelings of isolation and makes for a safer community for everyone concerned. There are a number of advantages for the neighbors who take the time to bond with the seniors on their block or subdivision. National Night Out provides a great opportunity to get things going, but any friendly hello and chat will pay of in the end by making the neighborhood feel more like a hometown than just a collection of streets and houses.

The copyright of the article Seniors Get to Know Their Neighbors in Senior Safety is owned by Hildra Tague. Permission to republish Seniors Get to Know Their Neighbors in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.