During this season of Thanksgiving and reflection, it’s natural to feel the pull of connection – the kind that fills our lives with joy, purpose, and belonging. For older adults especially, meaningful relationships and regular engagement don’t just lift the spirit. They also support overall health and independence.
At Friends House, located in the Sandy Spring, near Olney and the Washington DC area, community connection in retirement living is central to the lifestyle. It’s more than just a social calendar. It’s a deeply rooted culture where neighbors become friends and every day holds opportunities to engage, contribute, and grow.
Why Connection Is Crucial for Healthy Aging
The benefits of staying socially connected are well-documented. Studies from the National Institute on Aging highlight that older adults who maintain active social lives tend to experience:
- Lower rates of depression
- Better cognitive function
- Increased physical well-being
- Higher levels of life satisfaction
In many ways, meaningful human interaction is just as vital as eating well or staying physically active. Connection offers emotional balance, keeps the mind sharp, and strengthens the body.
Everyday Moments That Build Belonging at Friends House
These small moments of connection grow into something bigger – a sense of belonging that gives residents comfort and confidence. When people feel known and valued, life feels richer and more balanced. Whether it’s a simple smile in passing or a deep discussion over coffee, these experiences are what turn neighbors into friends.
It’s a setting where interaction is not forced. It simply happens, because people live with intention and shared values.
Community Gardens That Grow More Than Food
The gardens at Friends House are both beautiful and functional. Residents come together to plant vegetables, flowers, and herbs, turning each day into a shared experience. These gardens are peaceful places for reflection, and they’re also lively gathering spaces filled with laughter and conversation.
What makes them even more special is the spirit of generosity that grows right alongside the plants. Some of the produce harvested from the gardens is donated to the community bench, a shared space where residents and team members can pick up fresh fruits and vegetables to enjoy. It’s a simple, neighborly gesture that embodies the Friends House spirit – where abundance is shared, and everyone is nourished, body and soul.
This collaborative gardening doesn’t just produce food. It nurtures relationships and reinforces a sense of purpose.
Art That Brings People Together
Inside the ArtSpace, creativity flows freely. Residents gather to paint, sculpt and explore a wide range of artistic expressions. What starts as a personal project often becomes a group experience filled with encouragement and collaboration.
These sessions build more than art. They build community. They also invite residents to express themselves and explore new talents in a relaxed, friendly setting.
Purposeful Places Like the Woodshop and Volunteer Spaces
Many residents bring their skills and passions to life through the new community Woodshop, a space where hands-on learning and craftsmanship are encouraged. It’s a place to build, to teach, and to share stories over the sound of sanders and saws. Residents welcome students from Sandy Spring Friends School, sharing woodworking techniques and life lessons in a truly intergenerational exchange. These visits not only provide valuable mentorship for the students but also deepen the sense of purpose and connection among residents.
As one resident shared, “Many people are drawn to Friends House because it is a place where there are lots of ways to be of service as one ages – and that’s what keeps us young!”
Volunteering is also a vital part of life at Friends House. In the Elephant Shop, the resident-run thrift store, neighbors connect over service and conversation, raising funds that support community programs. Harriett, a longtime resident, found this shop to be one of the best places to build relationships. “Everybody seems to know everybody. It’s a great entrance to getting to know people,” she says in one of the Friends House Resident Stories videos.
Exploring Local Culture and Staying Engaged Outside Campus
The sense of community at Friends House isn’t limited to its borders. Residents enjoy performances at the Olney Theatre, participate in events at the Sandy Spring Museum, and explore local attractions through partnerships that enrich their daily lives.
These experiences keep people connected with the world around them. They also provide opportunities for continued learning, social exploration, and cultural appreciation.
An Environment Where Connection Happens Naturally
One of the most distinctive qualities of Friends House is how easily residents connect. The layout of the community encourages chance encounters – neighbors chatting along the walking trails, greeting one another at the Bistro, or discovering shared interests through the art studio or gardening committee. Every corner of the campus is designed to support conversation and friendship.
Life here is designed to foster community. Not through rigid structure, but through opportunities to engage at your own pace, in your own way.
A Culture That Encourages Purpose and Connection
Friends House doesn’t just provide a place to live. It offers a place to grow and to thrive among others who value kindness, respect, and lifelong learning. Community programs are built to be inclusive and fulfilling, supporting wellness for the body, mind, and spirit.
Whether planting seeds, painting a canvas, or sharing a quiet moment with a neighbor, residents know they are part of something meaningful.
True community connection doesn’t require a special occasion. It happens in the quiet moments, the shared efforts, and the spontaneous conversations. At Friends House, this spirit of connection shapes every part of life. It supports well-being, encourages purpose, and fosters joy in the everyday.
For older adults looking for more than just a place to live, Friends House offers something deeply valuable: a place to truly belong.
Discover a Community That Shares Your Values
If you’re seeking a retirement lifestyle that celebrates connection, creativity, and shared purpose, Friends House offers a community where those values thrive every day.
👉 Learn more or schedule a visit today
We’d love to welcome you into the conversation.
FAQs
Why is community connection so beneficial in retirement?
Social engagement supports emotional, mental, and physical health. It helps older adults stay active, mentally alert, and emotionally supported.
What makes Friends House different from other senior living options?
Friends House emphasizes natural, everyday connection through shared spaces and values. It’s a welcoming, inclusive environment focused on genuine engagement.
Are there ways for residents to contribute or volunteer?
Yes. From helping in the Elephant Shop to leading a group discussion or sharing their skills in the Woodshop, residents find plenty of ways to give back.
Does Friends House offer creative or artistic outlets?
Absolutely. The community ArtSpace encourages all types of artistic expression, from group projects to individual exploration.
Is Friends House involved in the surrounding community?
Residents participate in local events, attend cultural programs, and stay active in the broader Sandy Spring and Olney area. Connection doesn’t stop at the property line.
Is Friends House suitable for those who are independent but aging?
Yes. Friends House is ideal for those seeking independent living with the peace of mind that support is available if and when it’s needed.
Does Friends House support connection with animals?
Yes. Friends House is a pet-friendly community where residents often enjoy the companionship of their pets—and even connect through a shared love of animals around campus. From friendly dogs on walks to visiting therapy animals, these connections bring warmth, laughter, and a sense of comfort to daily life. Phil Burkholder, the CEO, often brings his dogs, Betty White and Finnegan, with him each day, adding to the welcoming atmosphere that residents and team members alike enjoy.
