Having and fostering relationships with other people is a necessary part of life. Often, older adults lose significant others or friends, and their children move away. Statistics indicate that up to 11 percent of seniors live in isolation. Having a social life produces many benefits that enhance emotional, mental, and physical health.
Good Emotional Health
Becoming isolated from friends and family members remains one of the major reasons older adults develop anxiety and depression. Being lonely often progresses to feeling unhappy and worthless. Socializing enables seniors to feel appreciated and loved. Having someone to talk to during times of stress or traumatic events relieves the emotional burden. Keeping company with others elevates mood and makes it easier to have a positive outlook on life.
Acceptance & Belonging
Spending time with friends or family members gives seniors the sense they’re accepted and that they belong. The need intensifies for older adults who have lost loved ones. Seniors should be encouraged to develop new friendships and build new bonds. Relationships are particularly satisfying when new friends have common interests or have experienced similar life events.
High Self-Esteem
Seniors who spend an inordinate amount of time alone or who are unable to accomplish as much as they once did often begin to lose their sense of self-esteem. Any form of positive interaction with other people enables older adults to feel as if they’re contributing to relationships. The more socially active seniors are, the more confident and self-assured they become.
Good Physical Health
Statistics suggest that seniors living isolated lives don’t have the same degree of longevity as those who are socially active. When older adults spend enjoyable time with peers or family members, their bodies release hormones and chemical compounds that strengthen their immune systems. Stronger immunity means seniors are less likely to succumb to illness and are able to recover faster when they do get sick. Socially active seniors are also more likely to take better care of themselves by eating healthier and participating in some form of exercise, which also boosts physical health.
Seniors who don’t take good care of their physical health could develop serious illnesses, making it challenging to care for themselves on their own. If your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, the Tucson, AZ, live-in care professionals at Home Care Assistance are here to help. Our proprietary Balanced Care Method was designed to promote longevity by encouraging seniors to focus on healthy eating, regular exercise, mental engagement, and other important lifestyle factors.
Cognitive Stimulation
Researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center suggest an active social life is vital for maintaining optimal cognitive function. Social engagement stimulates the brain via conversation and activity. Social seniors also tend to be more observant and have a desire to continue learning about the world around them. By exercising their brains, aging adults are less prone to cognitive impairment.
Mental and emotional challenges are common for many aging adults, but seniors don’t have to manage them alone. Elder care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
Accountability
Seniors are more likely to take care of themselves when they feel accountable to others. When they care about others and know they’re cared about as well, seniors are more apt to keep up their appearance. Both women and men have a greater desire to be well groomed before going out on outings with family and friends. Socializing provides the motivation to stay healthy and attractive.
Social activity is only one of many components that contribute to robust mental and physical health in seniors. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional home care service, Tucson Home Care Assistance should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years. Whether your parent needs hourly or live-in care, give us a call at (520) 276-6555 today.