1. Learn About Life in Our Community

It's easier to start a conversation when you have something in common. Your shared community is a natural place to start, so ask others about their experiences living here.

• How long have you lived at the Gardens at Collinwood?
• Was it easy for you to settle in?
• What do you like best about living here?
• Did you find it easy to get to know people?
• Which amenities and social activities do you recommend?
• Do you have a favorite common area to spend time in?
• How can I make the most of life here?
• Are you going to movie night/playing bingo/taking part in the shopping trip?

2. Get to Know Their Personal Stories

Our residents come from various backgrounds and have interesting life stories. Invite them to tell you more about their personal journeys.

• Where were you born?
• How long have you lived in Fort Collins?
• Where did you grow up?
• What was your childhood like?
• Do you have a large family?
• Do you spend time with them often?
• Are you close to your siblings?
• How did you meet your spouse?
• Where did you go to school?
• What did you study? What were your favorite subjects?
• What are some of your previous jobs?
• What was your career before you retired?
• Do you have children or grandchildren? Where do they live, and what do they do?
• What places have you traveled to?
• Have you ever lived overseas?
• What was your greatest adventure in life?
• What is something surprising about you that people here might not know?

3. Delve Into Their Skills and Interests

Encourage people to talk about their favorite activities. Everyone has something they're passionate about, and you may find you have shared interests.

• Would you rather watch a hockey game, go to the theater or spend time in nature?
• What kind of music do you like?
• Do you play any instruments?
• What are some of your favorite movies or TV shows?
• Did you play sports growing up?
• What are some of your favorite board games?
• Do you consider yourself creative?
• I'm looking for a new book to read. Do you have recommendations?
• Do you have a pet?
• Do you do volunteer work in the community?

4. Invite Them to Reflect on Life

The next group of questions can help you make deeper connections with others. These conversation starters ask someone to share their influences and insights and what matters most to them.

• What's on your bucket list?
• What skill do you wish you'd learned?
• What was the best day of your life?
• Who was your biggest inspiration?
• Do you believe in love at first sight?
• Who were your childhood friends, and what did you like to do together?
• What were some of your favorite family traditions?
• Would you change anything about your life?
• What do you like most about being retired?
• What world event impacted you the most?  
• Is there a song that always makes you want to dance?
• What's the worst trouble you got into as a teenager?
• What advice would you give your younger self?
• What's the key to a happy life?
• What does a perfect day look like to you?

5. Ask for Advice

Our residents love to be helpful and have plenty of experiences to share. When you're getting to know someone, try asking for recommendations and advice.

• What are ways to make our assisted living apartments feel cozy?
• How do you stay active? What kind of exercises do you do?
• What are some of your favorite restaurants in Fort Collins?
• I'm looking for a gift for my grandchild. Do you have suggestions?
• What are some interesting places to go in Colorado when family comes to visit?
• I'm thinking of getting an e-reader for digital books. Do you have one to recommend?
• Have you tried using FaceTime or Zoom to stay in touch with friends? Are these apps hard to use?
• Do you think it's safe to do online banking?

6. Ask the Unexpected

"What if" scenarios encourage creative thinking and can generate some surprising responses. Try a few of these questions for some interesting conversations with your new friends.

• If time machines existed, where would you travel to?
• Which famous person would you like to have dinner with and why?
• What would you do if you could change one event in history?
• What would you do if you won $5 million?
• If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
• If you could live in a cottage, castle or skyscraper anywhere in the world, what would you choose?
• Who would you be if you could switch places with someone for a day?
• You must listen to one musical artist or band for 24 hours straight. Who would you pick?
• What would you do if you could change one event in history?
• If you could communicate with animals, what would you ask?
• What would you do if a genie granted you three wishes?

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