One of the primary reasons that older adults look forward to moving to a senior living community is the promise that they will be able to socialize and make new friends. However, for some people, making these kinds of connections can be difficult and it can be hard to know where to start. Thankfully, here at our independent living in Santa Monica, we strive to create an environment where all of our residents can feel right at home and have plenty of opportunities to connect with others.

If you need a little help making new friends once you move to our community, our blog has some information that you won’t want to miss out on. Continue reading to learn more!

1. Engage in Community Activities

When moving to a luxury independent living community such as Ciela, you will find that there are many great amenities and community activities that can help you to meet your new neighbors and fellow residents. Now that you are retired, it’s time to make the most of your golden years and spend more time relaxing and connecting with those around you.

Here at our independent living in Santa Monica, there are a variety of ways you can do exactly that:

• Visit Local Shops - Our senior living community is located just minutes from the beach, meaning you can head out and enjoy the sunshine with friends at any time. If you enjoy shopping and fine dining, the Palisades Village with over 40 boutiques and restaurants is also nearby, making it easy to gather up a group and get in a little retail therapy.
• Attend a Guest Speaker - Another point we pride ourselves on is the fact that we are frequently bringing in guest speakers and educators as well as offering community culture events for our residents to engage in. There is so much you can continue to learn and understand about the world, even in retirement. These events serve as an excellent opportunity to meet new people while also expanding your knowledge on a wealth of important topics.
• Arts & Crafts - Retirement is the perfect time to learn a new skill or hobby. Prior to retiring, you likely didn’t have a lot of free time and were very busy raising a family, climbing the ladder in your career, or furthering your education. If there is always something you have wanted to try, now is your chance! Join in on our community arts and crafts functions to meet new people, get creative, and have a lot of fun doing so.

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2. Socialize While Dining

No matter how high quality the cuisine is that you’re eating, a meal always tastes better when it’s enjoyed with friends. Here at Ciela, we offer our residents many different ways that they can experience fine dining while also socializing with others.

• Grab and Go- Want to grab a quick smoothie or coffee before heading out for a day of shopping or hiking? Stop by and get your order to go prior to meeting up with friends or spending the day exploring the city.
• Parlor & Game Room - If you are looking for a low key, relaxed way to engage with others, then our parlor and game room option is ideal. We also serve world-class wines perfect for sitting back and enjoying in the lounge.
• Rooftop Dining - Our primary dining option includes The Aviary, which is a restaurant that specializes in serving only the best mediterranean and Californian cuisine. Every piece of produce is locally sourced from farmer’s markets, ensuring that you are eating only the freshest, most high quality ingredients available. Meet new people by enjoying these meals in the restaurant or out on the rooftop terrace

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3. Meet Fellow Pet Owners

Did you know that Ciela is a pet friendly community. Having a furry best friend, especially a dog, is a great way to meet new people. While taking your pet for a walk or while visiting a local dog park, you are going to meet other animal lovers. Owning a pet is a simple way to quickly make new friends and gives you a common ground right out of the gate. Schedule play dates for your pups or schedule times to go on walks together. As an added bonus, this is also a great way to stay active and get moving!

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4. Rendezvous With Other New Residents

If you have recently moved into our independent living in Santa Monica, don’t worry, you’re not alone! There are bound to be other new residents who have only been there a brief time and are also eager to make new friends. Find out who these other individuals are and offer to learn the ropes together. This way, you have a buddy you can attend events with or can dine with at least once a day. By doing this, you will build a strong bond with at least one friend and gain the confidence you need to branch out and meet others.

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5. Visit the Vitality Center & Spa

Another great way to make new friends at Ciela is to make a visit to our Vitality Center and Spa. Once here, there are a wealth of opportunities that you can meet fellow residents. For example, you could sign up for a yoga class or one of our strength training courses. Or you can schedule an appointment for a manicure, pedicure, or a haircut without ever having to leave our community. Whatever you are interested in, you are sure to find a fellow resident to connect with.