A Social Senior Summer: Celebrating Independence Together

Living independently and enjoying a robust social life may seem mutually exclusive, but they’re not at all. Independent living communities give older adults the autonomy they desire and the freedom to live on their own terms while taking advantage of community services and amenities tailored to a senior lifestyle.

One special advantage of community living is the opportunity to surround yourself with peers in the same stage of life — neighbors who will enthusiastically join you in a summer filled with social activities for seniors while you build quality friendships that give life richer meaning.

Why a Social Summer is Good for Your Health

Older adults are especially vulnerable to the health risks associated with loneliness and isolation. That’s why even the most independent-minded seniors benefit from social interaction.

Socializing promotes feel-good endorphins that give your mood a natural lift. Engaging with others gives you a sense of community and belonging, which can go a long way toward keeping feelings of loneliness at bay, while also reducing your risk of anxiety and depression.

What’s more, studies have shown that those who participate in social activities for seniors tend to get more physical activity, have lower levels of stress, show improved cognition and even live longer.

Stay Safe When You’re Socializing

Joining your friends and neighbors for some fun in the sun is a recipe for a good time. Make sure the memories are all smiles by taking some safety precautions when you’re enjoying social activities for seniors this summer.

• Especially if you’ll be spending time outdoors, be mindful of the temperature and avoid getting overheated.
• Know the signs of heat stroke (fainting, confusion, exceptionally rapid or weak pulse, flushed skin). Move to the shade or indoors and seek medical attention immediately.
• Use a high-SPF sunscreen on any exposed skin and reapply every two hours (or more often if you’re swimming or sweating it off).
• Remember that sweating evaporates your body’s water content quickly, so you can become dehydrated easily in the summer heat. Carry a water bottle and drink frequently.
• Plan your activities early or late in the day to avoid the oppressive midday sun and heat.
• Dress for the weather, with light, loose clothing made from a natural material such as cotton.

Get Social with These Summer Activities

Now that you’re equipped with a medical reason to get out and have some fun — and you have a rundown on how to stay safe while you’re doing so — you’re ready to start planning how you’ll fill your social calendar this summer.

• Enjoy a morning walk with your neighbors through the community gardens or along your neighborhood’s walking trails.
• If you live in an independent living community, or you’re curious about making a move, talk with the activities director about what upcoming events you may want to attend.
• Drop in at a creative arts studio to explore ways to express your artistic side and meet others who share your interest in the arts.
• Check into programming at the local library that quenches your thirst for knowledge.
• Volunteer for a cause that is close to your heart.
• Look for opportunities to join classes or leagues that match your personal interests, such as a local cooking class or bowling league.
• Investigate senior-friendly day trips and group tours, where you can make friends with fellow travel enthusiasts.
• Combine forces with your friends or neighbors to make a list of your favorite nearby restaurants (bonus points for features like shaded patios and senior specials) and organize a culinary crawl to visit one each week throughout the summer.

What’s Happening in Kankakee This Summer?

There’s no shortage of social activities for seniors this summer in Kankakee County. To find activities that match with your personal interests, try searching online with phrases like “activities for seniors near me,” “senior activities near me” or “senior groups near me.”

To get you started, here are some standout options worth exploring further:

Independence Day with Artisans →
Celebrate the holiday with the Les Artisans Arts & Crafts Fair at the Kankakee County Fairgrounds on July 4. The fair emphasizes handmade goods, whether made by an artisan or crafter, or grown by a farmer.

Merchant Street Music Fest →
Two fun-filled days at the historic downtown Train Depot will offer plenty of entertainment and excitement with local, regional and national musicians, food and drinks, art vendors and more. The multi-cultural celebration is an all-ages event, ideal for exploring with a group of your friends and neighbors or gathering up your kids and grandkids for a multi-generational outing.

Kankakee County Fair →
This year’s Kankakee County Fair is July 30-Aug. 3. You can count on all the classic concession foods and vendors, along with creative arts and hobby competitions, agriculture exhibits, horse and pony shows, live musical entertainment, carnival rides and more.

Salvation Army of Kankakee →
Senior programming is now offered through the Salvation Army of Kankakee, including lunch-and-learn events as well as other activities that promote fun and friendship, including bingo game days.

Connections Senior Club →
Offered through the Kankakee Valley Park District, the Connections Senior Club offers year-round camaraderie for the region’s older adults, including monthly Coffee and Chats as well as periodic sponsored lunch events. Members also get discounts and early registration for special programming and trips. On the travel schedule this summer: a trip to Niagara Falls and Toronto, including transportation and guided tours.

Bourbonnais Township Park District →
An Active Adult program through the Bourbonnais Township Park District encompasses a wide range of summer activities for seniors, from cards and bingo to fitness classes and road trips.

Kankakee Farmers’ Market →
Each Saturday through October 25, you can visit the market for family-friendly activities and music, along with local produce, handmade goods and fresh foods. The market opens at 8 a.m., so make plans to visit early to beat the heat and the crowds.

Cruis’n the Square →
This monthly series in Downtown Kankakee brings together those who appreciate all things beautiful on wheels against the backdrop of live music and fellowship.

Let Us Fill Your Social Calendar

Still feeling like your social calendar looks a little bare? Visit us at Riverside Senior Life. We’ll introduce you to some of our team members and even some residents to give you an idea of how you can fill your summer with social activities for seniors looking for meaningful connections, just like you.