One of the hardest things we’ll ever have to do is watch our parents get older. It’s especially difficult to see them missing out on the things they once loved, like get-togethers with friends, shopping, or hobbies.
However, there are some things you can do to help your senior parent be more social, and if they live in the Vernon, Texas area, there are plenty of senior-focused social opportunities available.
The Dangers of Social Isolation for Seniors
As friends pass on or move away, your parent might find that years-long weekly dinners or card games are suddenly canceled. If they can no longer drive, they may miss out on church services or community meetups they used to attend regularly.
If your aging parent can’t socialize like they used to or they’ve simply lost interest, then you’re right to be concerned. Social isolation is very common in older adults and can lead to anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline, as well as dangerous physical conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and a weakened immune system.
How To Encourage Your Senior Parent To Be More Social
If you’ve noticed that your parent isn’t as social as they used to be, sit down and have a talk with them (or talk with them via video chat or phone call) and let them know you’re concerned.
For example, “I worry that you’re lonely these days. I’ve noticed that you’re not going to the farmers market with your friends on Saturdays anymore. Why is that? Is there a problem I could help with?” In this case, it could be that the transportation they once used is no longer available. A potential solution could be giving your parent a ride on Saturdays or helping them get set up with some other transportation.
You can also suggest community events and local organizations for them to get involved with.
At Eagle Flats Village, transportation is never an issue. We offer a luxury town car for residents to use to get to their appointments, shop, and have fun all around the Vernon, Texas and Wilbarger County area.
Find out more about Assisted Living at Eagle Flats Village.
Social Opportunities for Texas Seniors in Vernon, Crowell and the Surrounding Areas
Vernon is just one of several friendly and historic communities in the area and they all offer something for everyone, including seniors. Here are a few senior-focused social opportunities in the Wilbarger County area that we recommend:
1. Eagle Flats Village
At Eagle Flats Village, we offer a full social calendar of events, celebrations and more. We host many events (think games, shared meals, holiday parties, visits from community members and groups, etc.) right here in our community – we even have church services available on Sundays. We also provide local transportation, allowing residents to enjoy all that Vernon and the surrounding area have to offer.
Some local favorites include the historic Vernon Plaza, a movie theater that’s been around since 1953, the Red River Valley Museum, shopping and events on historic Main Street, and the Vernon farmers market.
2. Foard County Senior Citizens
Foard County Senior Citizens, a senior citizen center in Crowell, TX, offers meals, transportation, and opportunities for seniors to gather, share meals, play games, talk, and connect.
Find out more about Foard County Senior Citizens here.
3. Quanah Senior Citizens Center
This senior citizen center is the place to go in Quanah for seniors to socialize, share meals and more. The organization also provides the town’s Meals on Wheels services, so any senior who needs hot, nutritious food delivered to their home can take advantage of the program.
Find out more about the Quanah Senior Citizens Senior/Quanah Meals on Wheels here.
4. Martin Luther King Senior Center
The Martin Luther King Senior Center in Wichita Falls, TX serves lunch from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm Monday through Friday. Local seniors are invited to enjoy a meal as well as cards, dominoes, bingo and other center activities with their peers.
Want to know more? Call 940-766-1142 between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm or visit the Martin Luther King Senior Center website here.
5. Senior Citizens Activity Center of Burkburnett
The Senior Citizens Activity Center in Burkburnett, Texas is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. A community meal is served at noon for local seniors who are able to come down to the center, and Meals on Wheels meals are delivered to seniors in the community who aren’t able to leave home.
To get more information about the Burkburnett Meals on Wheels program or to make a reservation for a community meal at the center, call 940-569-0821.
Find out more about the Senior Citizens Activity Center on the Burkburnett, Texas website.
Help Your Senior Parent Stay Social, Active and Inspired at Eagle Flats Village
At Eagle Flats Village, we want to put the ‘living’ back in senior living. We know that seniors still want to try new things, make friends, and have fun, and that they have hopes, dreams and goals, just like the rest of us. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing seniors with quality social opportunities, new learning experiences, and the resources they need to live life to the fullest.
See what we’re all about. Request your visit online or call us at 940-552-8181 today.
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