Getting older has many challenges but one of the most dangerous is the loss of social connections. When a spouse passes, friends move away, and it becomes difficult to get out and about, the opportunities for socializing shrink accordingly. The results can be substantial risks to the health and wellness of seniors. To best understand why socialization is so important to the health and wellness of seniors take a look at what the experts have to say.
Senior Socialization: Health and Wellness Benefits
Promote physical health
Humans are inherently social so when life becomes lonely and isolating, the physical health and wellness of seniors is threatened. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention article, “Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions,” loneliness and isolation are associated with,
- A 29% increase in the risk of heart disease.
- A 32% increase in the risk of stroke.
- An increased risk of premature death (rivaling the risks from smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity).
- A 4 times increased risk of death for heart failure patients.
On the upside, however, maintaining strong social ties can considerably benefit the health and wellness of seniors. For example, the health.harvard.edu article, “Broader social interaction keeps older adults more active,” notes that simply expanding social connections beyond close friends and family can increase physical activity as well as improve moods and minimize negativity. Not surprisingly, socialization can also help to minimize the onset of disabilities. According to one study, frequently playing cards and games, participating in organized activities and even visiting with siblings can all significantly reduce the risk of functional decline in older adults.
Lower mental health risks
The mental health and wellness of seniors are also under threat when socialization lags and loneliness and isolation take over. While it is possible to feel lonely even when others are around, typically, according to the nia.nih.gov article, “Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks,” the mental health problems associated with isolation and loneliness include:
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Cognitive decline.
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
For seniors who have already been diagnosed with a form of cognitive impairment like Alzheimer’s disease, social isolation can help to escalate symptoms. As noted in the webmd.com article, “Socializing and Activities for Loved Ones With Alzheimer’s,” such a scenario can not only worsen symptoms like depression and anxiety, it can also increase behaviors like wandering, aggression, and hallucinations and may also speed up the pace of cognitive decline. So even though dementia may seem to limit the social abilities of a loved one, keeping them socially engaged can go a long way toward improving the health and wellness of seniors by decreasing feelings of abandonment and loneliness.
Stay physically active
Staying physically fit and active is essential to aging well and the health and wellness of seniors. When alone, however, many seniors lack motivation to exercise and may often slip into a more sedentary and less active lifestyle overall. But this is easy to remedy.
As described in the sciencealert.com article, “Here’s Why Group Exercise May Be More Effective For You Than Solo Workouts,” simply joining an age-appropriate group exercise class, walking club, or other organized fitness program can lead to an increase in motivation, and help seniors feel more connected to the experience, increase attendance, and make reaching fitness goals much more likely.
But there are also the mental aspects of being active to consider. According to the mayoclinic.org article “A surprising key to healthy aging: Strong social connections,” staying actively engaged with others can ward off loneliness, help navigate times of loss, and make life more purposeful and fulfilling.
Forge connections
Even with science supporting the need for staying social to sustain the health and wellness of seniors, many might know how to get back into a social life. Thankfully, it can be pretty easy.
The michiganmedicine.org article, “8 ways older adults can reduce loneliness and social isolation” offers several excellent tips for starting (or restarting) social connections including:
- Online engagement with interest groups such as through churches and educational classes.
- Consciously trying to maintain current social connections such as with family and friends.
- Volunteering, which is not only personally fulfilling but is a great way to meet others with similar goals and interests.
- Getting a pet which can be a great comfort can also open the door to meeting new friends and neighbors.
The case for senior living
Modern luxury senior living communities like The Timbers on Blackwell Creek offer seniors a warm and welcoming community of friends and peers who share their interests and life experiences. Providing an array of services and amenities, senior living makes socializing simple by offering so many choices for living a fun, fulfilling, and connected lifestyle. For more information, download your brochure and speak to an advisor.
