Everyone’s got their own idea of what community means. For some it’s gathering over the garden fence to gossip about Joan at number 14, for others it’s getting together a couple of times a week to play bridge, and for others it simply means being polite and kind to your neighbours and watching out for their welfare.
In today’s fast-paced and increasingly digital world, the importance of community can’t be exaggerated. Human connection is so important to our mental wellbeing and our social health. Having a sense of belonging to something is especially noticeable in holiday park communities. These are places where people come together not just for rest and relaxation, but also to share experiences, create memories and, in some cases, create lasting friendships. In this edition of the Daly Parks blog we’ll take a look at the psychological and social benefits of holiday park community life.
1. Mental health
The idea of community is rooted in the idea that human beings are social creatures who truly thrive when they feel connected to others. Strong social bonds are associated with improved mental health, lower stress levels and increased wellbeing – in other words, the feeling of belonging and being part of a group gives you emotional security and happiness. These are pretty much essential in coping with everyday life.
Social connections can give us a sense of purpose and comfort. Over thousands of years, human beings have evolved to be a great combination of independent but interdependent, benefitting from mutual support. When people are connected to others, it reduces any feeling of loneliness and isolation, which are both linked to anxiety and even depression. Individuals with strong social networks tend to be more adept at day to day living, are healthier and live longer.
For retirees and older adults, holiday parks offer a particularly supportive environment. Many offer a somewhat slower pace of life, a sense of community and plenty of opportunities for positive social interaction. Engaging with community life on a holiday park is a great way for older adults to stay active, mentally and physically.
2. Sociability
Interacting with others and building relationships is an essential part of human nature. Whether it’s casual chats about the weather or the football, or much deeper and more profound conversations about the meaning of life, regular interactions help individuals develop resilience, increase self-esteem and come up with coping strategies. Social interactions give us emotional and practical support.
On a holiday park, sociability means pleasant day-to-day atmospheres, shared amenities, organised events and informal gatherings. Parks tend to offer a natural atmosphere of connection, and this ‘sense of community’ means individuals come out of their shells, make new friendships and can explore group activities that promote positivity.
3. Community living
Community life on a holiday park is an ideal emotional and mental ‘re-set’ for people who want to get away from often lonely and disconnecting everyday urban life. Holiday parks, especially when they’re in fantastic locations like our five, offer a chance to enjoy the company of like-minded individuals amidst some wonderful nature. The mere fact there are common areas on the parks means people can interact, which leads to friendships and social networks being built.
4. A sense of belonging
Being part of a holiday park community offers a sense of belonging that’s often missing from other types of holiday. Although staying in hotels or rented accommodation can be fun on a holiday, it does lack personal connections. On the other hand, owning a static caravan on a holiday park means you’ll be able to enjoy a sense of place and familiarity. Returning year after year, this sense of belonging is particularly important for older adults who are probably looking for a quieter, more relaxed and more familiar lifestyle. The opportunity to socialise and pursue hobbies amidst familiar faces and new friends make our parks ideal for maintaining a sense of security and keeping mental health buoyant.
5. Families
Holiday parks also provide families with the chance to regularly ‘make memories’ while enjoying a strong sense of community. The shared experience of being on a holiday park can be beneficial for the social development of kids (perhaps your grandkids) as they’ll safely interact with peers on the park. Seeing them form new friendships provides peace of mind, knowing they’re in a safe, supportive environment.
The benefits of being part of a holiday park community are absolutely undeniable. From the mental health advantages of interacting with other people to the physical health advantages of being able to walk safely around the space (which then, in turn, feeds into mental health and wellbeing by promoting a sense of connection with nature), holiday parks offer a great opportunity. The power of holiday park community living is absolutely clear, especially when combined with the peacefulness and beauty of great locations – so on that score our five Daly Parks have it all!