Social health and wellbeing contribute to the overall health of older adults.
Living through over a year of a worldwide pandemic taught us not to ever take for granted the small but incredibly significant things in life: shared laughter, hugging our friends and family, a dinner date in our favorite restaurant. We discovered firsthand how much social health and wellbeing is to be valued, and just how lost and empty we can feel when it’s missing.
July is Social Wellness Month, and now that vaccinations are reducing our need to isolate ourselves, it’s an ideal chance to make certain that seniors have plenty of opportunities for socialization.
Why Social Health and Wellbeing Are Important
Studies have shown that individuals who stay social:
- Live longer
- Respond much better to stress
- Have healthier cardiovascular and endocrine systems
- Have a stronger immunity
- And much more
On the other hand, people who live a more isolated and secluded lifestyle are at enhanced risk for significant health complications – comparable to the dangers linked to obesity, smoking cigarettes, and hypertension.
Simple Tips to Improve Social Wellness in Seniors
If an older adult you love has become accustomed to isolated living and is uncertain how to improve socialization, these recommendations can help:
- Think of current hobbies and interests, or those your senior loved one may wish to learn more about. Perhaps there has always been a desire to learn to play an instrument, speak Spanish, or plant a vegetable garden. No matter what the interest, look into local opportunities for a course or group for the older adult to join to learn a new skill or share an existing one with others.
- Gain the dual advantage of physical fitness through joining a gym or exercise group. There are a variety of exercise classes specifically designed for seniors, allowing for a low-impact workout along with the opportunity to form friendships. Just check with the doctor for approval first.
- Find an organization or cause that your loved one is particularly passionate about, and look to find out what their volunteer needs are. Older adults can find meaning and purpose along with socialization opportunities while assisting those in need.
How Home With You Senior Care Is Available to Help
An in-home caregiving companion, like those on the Home With You Senior Care team, is a quick and easy strategy to improve social health and wellbeing for seniors. Our caregivers are fully trained, experienced, background-checked, and available for as much or as little time as an older adult would like for conversations, fun activities, outings, and much more. We are able to provide transportation and accompaniment to social activities for seniors, or simply visit with the senior in the home on a routine basis.
Contact our aging care experts any time and learn how our award-winning home and dementia care in Howard County and nearby areas can help a senior in your life stay healthy, social and well. We provide a free in-home consultation at your convenience, so give us a call today at 410-756-0959. For a full list of all of the communities where we provide care, please visit our Locations Served page.