Building Community in Punta Gorda

As social creatures, having a community you feel a part of is important, especially as you get older. Whether new to Punta Gorda, Florida, or a lifelong resident, it’s never too late to start getting involved in your community and befriend your neighbors. 

Why Is Community Building Important?

Humans are social creatures. We depend on the connection of others to help us live full and happy lives. Many connections we make throughout our lives come from school, work, and family. As we age, having fewer connections is common because retirement and health conditions make it challenging to leave the house.

According to a national poll, more than 37 percent of seniors 50 to 80 reported feeling lonely, while 34 percent felt socially isolated. Both social isolation and loneliness lead to increased risk for conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. 

Ways To Build Community 

The best way to reduce loneliness and isolation is to find activities and services that encourage you to interact with others, such as volunteering, attending community events, or joining clubs. 

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community. It's also a way to show off your expertise and help those in need. A few nearby places in Punta Gorda accepting volunteers include:

• TEAM Punta Gorda: Volunteer at TEAM to enhance the Punta Gorda community. This nonprofit organization focuses on community-building projects, such as starting community gardens, organizing a bicycle program, or cleaning local parks. 
• Parrot Outreach Society: Help rescue, rehabilitate, and find adopters for loving parrots as a volunteer at Parrot Outreach Society.
• Habitat for Humanity: Help build safe and affordable homes for local families in need through Habitat for Humanity. You don’t need construction experience to work with this organization. There are administrative tasks and retail opportunities for volunteers. 

Community Events 

Nothing brings a community together better than a community-sponsored event. Like many cities, Punta Gorda hosts many family-friendly events throughout the year. These events are a low-stake way to check out local vendors, meet neighbors, and discover what your community offers. 

Popular events include arts and crafts shows, parades, and music concerts. The Punta Gorda event calendar has a full list of events. 

Clubs

Clubs and organizations help you connect with individuals who have similar interests. They also offer special events for club members where you can have time to meet and get to know other members and potentially make new friends. A few clubs in Punta Gorda include: 

• St. Andrews Golf Club: If you love playing golf during your spare time, consider the St. Andrews Golf Club. This organization hosts various golf outings throughout the year for players of all levels. 
• Copperfish Books Book Clubs: Do you love reading and discussing your latest novel? Join a book club. Copperfish has four book clubs that meet once a month and welcome new members to any meetings. 
• Punta Gorda Sailing Club: Get out on the water with the Punta Gorda Sailing Club. You can learn to sail, enter races, or enjoy social events to connect with other sailors. 

Building Community With Visiting Angels 

At Visiting Angels, we understand the importance of community and feeling like you're a part of something. Our dedicated team of caregivers is happy to help clients discover new ways to get involved in their community and build more purpose in their daily lives.

We can assist with daily activities to help clients lead more independent, quality lives. Our care services include help with light housekeeping, cooking, grooming, medication reminders, and mobility.

Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how our at-home care services can benefit you.