Seniors Mix and Mingle in Maryland


Keeping active, getting acquainted with others and socializing. These are activities that keep people from isolation and get them out of their shell.

Social events are often arranged on behalf of older adults for these reasons. It’s vital to keep residents mixing and mingling in assisted living and continuing care environments.

A social get-together was held in late September at the Suitland Community Center in Forestville, MD. A “Getting Acquainted Speed Session”, an offshoot of speed dating, was offered to help seniors network and meet new friends.

“Certainly we see that many seniors are keeping themselves active after retirement,” facility director Alvin Whitley told Gazette.net.

“Most people think that when you’re retired, you just curl up and die. It’s important to show the seniors that the community center takes an active role in their active lives,” he told the media source.

Suitland resident Gus Banks, 70, came dressed to the event in a formal black suit, white shirt, and a black, gray and red tie. “I’ve met some nice people,” he said. “We’ve talked about our kids and grandkids, relationships we’ve had, people we know,” he told Gazette.net.

Participants mentioned that the event helped them with listening skills, leading to better communication and relationships.

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