Keeping seniors socially active can be nearly as important to their wellbeing as taking their medicine and exercising. According to numerous studies, spending more time with family and friends contributes to more and higher-quality lifestyles for elderly adults.

Socialization makes seniors happier and healthier

Activities and socialization are a vital part of the human encounter, occasionally we as relatives and caregivers we forget exactly how significant that is, but the chance to interact with others is vital.

Seniors who do not have regular social opportunities have a tendency to become inactive and reclusive, which can lead their health into a downward spiral. One of the things I have personally witnessed over the last 30 years of working with seniors is that as time passes and seniors who age in place can become more and more isolated in their homes. This may be due to a decline in functional ability such as physical or mental decline.

Things we took for granted such as walking, conversing with people, abilities to participate in recreational activities they used to enjoy may diminish as they age. In some case’s these areas of decline can be reduced or delayed with adaptive devices such as hearing aids, adaptive devices for walking, incontinence products, specific utensils for eating as well as other areas. Regular check-ups with your doctor as well as other health care professionals is essential. That hearing aid, or glasses they purchased years ago my no longer be effective. Their ambulation may have deteriorated to the point a different type of cane or walker or wheel chair may be necessary or they may now be a candidate for outpatient physical or occupational therapy.

Benefits of socialization for seniors

It is clear that seniors who establish friendships are less likely to become depressed, which contributes to a healthier lifestyle. Unfortunately, as we age we lose friends through illness and death so need to maintain outlets to develop new friendships. Additionally, those seniors who become depressed or reclusive frequently become ill quicker and have a harder time overcoming it.

It has been documented that around 7 million Americans across America suffer from depression. Regular social interaction is one of the best ways to tackle it. People who have friends or family with whom they can share their thoughts and concerns are less likely to suffer with anxiety and often sleep much better. Studies also find that seniors that are socially active tend to experience significantly less memory loss than those who don't interact frequently. This is not to discount that in many cases depression can be impacted in by chemical changes within our bodies and we may need a anti-depressant medication to help us over come our depression.

Better physical health

Seniors with active social lives typically have better health than their peers who don't interact with other individuals. They have lower blood pressure, more resilient immune systems also, because they tend to be more active, they have fewer aches and pains and health complications related to a lack of exercise.   Also having friends to share things with and who see us regularly notice the changes we may miss or discount and encourage us to see our doctors to evaluate what is going on. This was exactly the case with my wife, her friends and co-workers noticed something I hadn’t even noticed and encouraged her to seek treatment that I totally missed as the changes were subtler to me then to her girlfriends.

The need for a healthy diet

Seniors who get out and socialize are more likely to consume more frequently and eat higher-quality meals. Individuals who live alone often don't keep healthful diets and, since they don't feel it is worthwhile to cook for themselves personally or have lost the ability or desire to cook, they sometimes skip meals altogether. Greater than 35% of seniors suffer from malnutrition, and most of them don't have regular social interaction.

An awareness of purpose -- Spending some time with people we care about is what life is all about. Keeping up with events in their family or in the news reminds seniors which they're needed and that they make a difference. Seeing other people will make folks have a more favorable prognosis and improves their self-esteem.

Methods to help seniors find interpersonal interaction

Social chances are all around us! Staying active and engaged as a senior doesn't have to be hard. 

Go visit them! Even when your friend or loved one has been considered a strong individual, that does not mean they don't get depressed or lonely. Show them they are important to you by making routine visits a priority.

 

Volunteer or locate some volunteer job!

Donating their time to some cause that they care about like at their church, local hospital, a refuge, a hospice organization or other group is a fantastic way to keep seniors busy. It may be enticing for some to earn some extra income by working part-time at stores that hire seniors. It enhances their self-esteem and also their awareness of feeling required.

Suggest a new hobby

A regular visit to the gym for a workout, a cooking course, learning how to play a game such as chess or checkers, joining a sewing circle are examples of activities that give older Americans a chance to meet and have conversations with other individuals. There are regular activities, games, excursions and carefree meals during which seniors may get together with individuals who share common interests and experiences.

It's the small things that count

When was the last time you pulled out an old picture of your loved one and asked them to tell you about what their life was like at that point in time. Family members can bring photographs of grandkids or photographs from their senior loved one’s childhood and let them talk and share memories that they have, you will be amazed about how much they may remember and share.  Another possibility is Inviting other seniors you know to come over for donuts or a card game or other relatives are just another very simple method to assist your loved one to stay mentally active and create new social connections.

Find a support team

Seek out old friends that still live in the area to see if they to visit if you can't or to seek advise about local activities and resources. Contact the local Area Agency on Aging or local senior center, local churches, to inquire about local opportunities or volunteer groups if you no longer live in the area.

At A Caring Hand for Mom (and Dad) we strive to bring you relevant information for the care of yourself and your loved ones. This article will hopefully give you ideas to keep your loved ones both mentally and physically active. There are many wonderful senior living options to consider that provide many of the previously mentioned ways to keep you or your senior loved ones both physically healthy and socially active. There are many independent living communities as well as assisted living facilities and memory care facilities throughout the state. Arizona senior living facilities offer many wonderful options for you to consider.

A Caring Hand for Mom (and Dad) is staffed only by licensed healthcare professionals and is rated A+ by the BBB so you can trust our services, which are free for your use. You will never pay or receive a charge for our services, like all other senior referral agencies we receive a referral fee from the community you chose that cannot be passed on to you. In many cases we have saved our client thousands of dollars by helping them know about discounts offered by the various communities and helping them negotiate lower rates so call us today at 800-881-7706.