Socialization is key to staying healthy, no matter your age. However, as we age, staying social becomes increasingly important. Social isolation can be detrimental not just for seniors’ mental health, but also for their physical health. Here’s how you can help them stay active so that they can enjoy the benefits of social interaction for seniors.
Health Benefits of Social Contact
The key to healthy and thriving golden years is staying active: physically, mentally, and socially. While social activities are just one component of staying active as we age, they do play an incredibly important role.
Most people undervalue a healthy social circle for older adults. Certainly, it can’t be that important for maintaining their quality of life, right? The concept might seem simple and unimportant, but the potential benefits of social interaction for seniors shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Seniors that stay socially engaged by playing games or enjoying group physical activity can help keep their mind sharp and active. It also helps them stay engaged in life and find meaning in these simple, but important social activities. Some studies have suggested that socialization for seniors can help increase longevity.
Maintaining an active social life and social network can also help reduce anxiety and decrease the risk of depression. Scientific studies have shown that depression is one preventable contributing factor to developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in later life.
How to Help Boost Social Interaction for Seniors
Finding routine group activities for isolated seniors is incredibly important to keeping seniors active. But maintaining and creating social connections for seniors can be tricky if your loved one or aging parent is living alone.
Socializing hobbies, like trivia nights, book clubs, and even group exercise classes can help combat a lack of socialization for seniors. As a caregiver, you can reach out to local senior communities to explore group activities and social opportunities in your area.
Look for ways to facilitate social interaction. Some communities offer free transportation services in and around the senior community. Ask your loved one what they enjoy doing. Chances are, there are other senior groups in the area where they can take part and meet new people.
Encourage them to go for walks. Getting out for some light exercise in a local park not only keeps them physically healthy, but it can give them a way to be socially healthy. If they’re walking alone and safety is a concern, you can always invest in a wearable GPS watch for seniors so you can keep in contact with them, no matter where they go.
Conclusion: Socializing Helps Keep Seniors Happy, Healthy, and Thriving
The benefits of social interaction for seniors shouldn’t be taken for granted. The health links between seniors and socialization are undeniable. But it can be tough to figure out how to meet other seniors.
Before you head out the door, learn how a GPS watch for seniors can help keep them safe as they enjoy their expanded social calendar.