For older adults, maintaining social connections can play a significant role in staying healthy and engaged. In addition to participating in physical activity, eating a healthy diet and getting regular medical checkups, staying social is believed to be one of the best steps individuals can take as they age.
The Villa at San Mateo – a “very walkable” community that’s near a variety of attractions and just three miles from downtown – offers many ways to help residents stay engaged and social. It’s less than a mile from the Hillsdale Shopping Center, which is undergoing significant renovations, and Bay Meadows, an urban village located at the Hillsdale Station, which offers express service to San Francisco and San Jose.
San Mateo Area Offers a Range of Amenities
In and around San Mateo, you’ll find a wide array of options for entertainment and activities. Seasonal events like the San Mateo County Fair offer the opportunity to walk around and talk with people as you enjoy games, rides and exhibits.
At the Hiller Aviation Museum, you can become immersed in history and technology as you make new friends. For an active outing, you can visit Bel Mateo Bowl, offering bowling leagues and special events each week.
If you enjoy golf, you can hit the links as you meet new people at several area courses. Numerous parks, senior centers and shopping venues like Mollie Stone’s Market also are located in the San Mateo area.
The historic Villa at San Mateo campus (originally constructed in 1957 as the Villa Hotel) also includes many amenities and common spaces where you can enjoy activities as you meet friends old and new. The seasonally heated pool, game room, movie theater, fitness center, reading and library room, and coffee lounge are just a few of the social spaces. Qube Bar and Grill is a convenient dining option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. In fact, the restaurant is located adjacent to our community.
Staying Social as You Age
Many people view cognitive decline as an inevitable side effect of getting older. In some cases, it is true that cognitive decline is unavoidable. In other cases, though, experts say that interacting with friends and family members may help stimulate your mind and keep depression and dementia at bay.
One recent study found that seniors who stayed social experienced cognitive decline at a 70-percent lower rate than peers who were less social.
By taking advantage of the amenities at The Villa at San Mateo and spending time in the highly walkable surrounding community, residents can engage in stimulating activities as they create and maintain social connections.
