Companionship is important for people of all ages, but regular socialization is necessary for older adults. Isolation can impact a senior’s emotional and mental wellbeing. Here are six reasons aging adults need to stay social as they age.
1. Enhance Emotional Health
While many people are able to survive on their own these days, their brains often crave companionship. When seniors interact with their friends and family members, their emotional wellbeing increases and their feelings of depression recede. If your senior loved one seems sad or depressed, make sure he or she is spending enough time with friends and family members.
For families living in Tucson, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
2. Live Longer
Seniors who remain socially active tend to live longer due to the impact of social fulfillment on health and the everyday benefits of having a strong support network. When older adults have people they can call in the event of an emergency, they’re more likely to receive timely medical care.
3. Boost Immune Health
Though you might expect spending time with people would leave seniors more susceptible to illness, the opposite is true. Regular socialization can enhance the immune system function. As long as your loved one gets a flu shot, a weekly book club meeting may ward off the common cold.
4. Reduce Dementia Risk
When seniors converse, it gives the brain a workout. Responding to questions and devising new topics of conversation involves creativity, and this process stimulates parts of the brain that lay dormant when seniors are isolated. Seniors who socialize tend to have better recall and focus. When older adults engage in regular cognitive exercise, it staves off the development of dementia.
Socializing on a regular basis is just one of the many ways older adults can enjoy a high quality of life. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior care. Tucson, Arizona, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
5. Increase Physical Health
Socialization often forces seniors to get moving. While attending a family gathering may not be the same as intense cardiovascular exercise, it can be a workout for sedentary seniors. Many of the activities seniors enjoy doing together, like birdwatching, mall walking, and bowling, offer opportunities for regular exercise. Regular activity helps older adults stay limber and mobile and retain an upbeat attitude.
6. Prevent Isolation
Isolated seniors face greater risk of developing dementia than those who remain socially active. If elderly people don’t have a friend checking in regularly, they may not receive the care they need. When friends, family members, or caregivers visit seniors regularly, they can spot signs of poor mental health, cognitive decline, or limited mobility.
Older adults who need regular social stimulation should consider professional in-home care. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Tucson elder care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at (520) 276-6555 today.