It’s healthy to enjoy “alone time,” but to stay healthy in mind, spirit and body, we need to strike a balance. It’s good to enjoy time to yourself, but it’s equally important to socialize with others. We saw the effects of isolation on people of all ages during the pandemic, when cases of stress, anxiety and depression spiked.
Proof of the benefits of socialization for seniors was especially apparent during the pandemic when so many older adults were forced to remain in their homes and apartments, unable to have contact with family and friends. Isolation is a proven contributor to advancing memory loss and certain forms of dementia, and far too many seniors diminished mentally during the worst of COVID-19.
What Are Some of the Key Benefits of Socialization for Seniors?
When you balance your time alone with “getting out there” and being social, the experience impacts your wellbeing in a number of positive ways. A few of the key benefits include:
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Reducing feelings of loneliness and depression
- Encouraging physical activity
- Adding to mental and emotional contentment
In fact, research has shown that for older adults, a strong social life and a supportive circle of friends can fend off many cognitive, emotional and physical issues that can arise from isolation. Meeting a friend for a cup of coffee, going to book club, or playing cards with friends are all examples of more than a good time – they’re excellent ways to stay intellectually stimulated and mentally sharp.
How Senior Living Encourages Social Connections
Living alone, in and of itself, isn’t unhealthy. Enjoying staying at home is fine, too. It’s how you spend your time that makes all the difference. Social connections are essential for your emotional health and your brain health.
In active senior living communities like Friendship Village Sunset Hills and Friendship Village Chesterfield, options for socializing are always right outside your apartment or villa door, from options for gourmet dining to social events, exercise classes, art classes, clubs and more.
Prefer to stay home or have difficulty getting around? At Friendship Village, if you need a little help to get out and get social, there are aides here to help you do that. You can also take advantage of technology to connect with family and friends right in your own apartment via Zoom, GrandPad, or one of many other devices and applications designed for seniors to use easily.
The bottom line? Don’t discount the benefits of socialization for seniors. Connecting, sharing, conversing, and laughing together are all good medicine for the soul and senior health. For so many reasons, you should definitely make social get-togethers a part of your regular well-being routine!
Ready to Make the Most of Life?
Friendship Village Sunset Hills and Friendship Village Chesterfield are vibrant senior living communities that celebrate the benefits of socialization for seniors. Our calendars are full every day with enriching activities, events and wellness programs. In other words, you’ll never be at a loss for fun ways to step outside your apartment door and enjoy the company of friends, or hop our complimentary shuttle together to explore local attractions, theater, restaurants, shops and more.
Best of all, as communities that offer a Life Care contract, Friendship Village Sunset Hills and Friendship Village Chesterfield provide great peace of mind, which is also beneficial to your mental and emotional health. Our communities are designed to meet your needs as you age, with access to on-site medical care and additional living options that accommodate the higher levels of care and attention you might need someday. It’s just one more reason to consider calling us home.
To learn more, we invite you to contact us soon. One of our representatives will call you back shortly to answer questions and, if you like, to arrange a tour. We’re looking forward to meeting you!