There’s just something about being around people you really like. Having good friends who listen, lift you up and remind you how much you matter. And modern science concurs: good company is good for your mental, emotional, and physical health. It’s one big reason why socialization for seniors is so important.
At New Perspective, our vibrant welcoming communities and team members make it easy to stay active and socially connected. To paraphrase The Beatles, everything’s easier “with a little help from your friends.” We’d like to give you a few important reasons why.
Socialization for seniors: together is better.
The pandemic has reminded everyone that isolation is the bad guy, especially when it comes to seniors. In a study by the National Academy of Sciences, lonely and isolated seniors showed higher rates of poor physical and mental health. They were more likely to suffer from hypertension, coronary heart disease, cardiac failure, depression, anxiety, and dementia.
A few of the many benefits of socialization for seniors:
- Reduces cognitive decline. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that remaining socially active may support brain health and possibly delay the onset of dementia. One study found that cognitive abilities declined 70 percent more slowly in individuals who had frequent social connections compared to those who had little social contact with others. A senior living community like New Perspective offers the perfect environment for making connections, sharing ideas, and creating a purposeful, interactive experience that helps keep you engaged and living your best life. The right recipe for creating socialization for seniors.
- Lowers stress. Ongoing stress can lead to heart disease, depression, obesity, gastrointestinal problems and other unwanted conditions. Socialization increases a hormone that decreases anxiety levels and makes us feel more confident in our ability to cope with stressors. This same hormone encourages us to seek out others and helps bring us closer together. At New Perspective, someone is always close by for conversation and support. This is especially beneficial when older adults often experience loss and changes in health and mobility.
- Keeps you active. Socialization for seniors, especially in a senior living community, can be in the form of opportunities to join others for activities and events. Examples are a walking club. Helping other residents decorate a commons area for the holidays. A Zumba class. Getting together to watch a big game. Learning a new hobby together. Being with others stimulates you to move more physically, which is good for your health and helps protect you from a sedentary lifestyle.
- Encourages healthy habits. When you’re living at home, it’s a lot easier to have that second piece of pie or skip walking around the block. That’s why socialization for seniors is so good for you…living in a senior living community, you’re around a group of like-minded friends and neighbors who can help keep you on the path to wellness. You’re more inclined to join an exercise class, participate in special events, or focus on good nutrition because you’re seeing others do just that.
- Gives you a sense of purpose. Having a reason to get up each morning does wonders for your energy level and your mood. Your “feel-good” hormones rise and fight off stress when you know you’re going to be greeted by friendly faces and spend quality time with friends. There’s even evidence that having this sense of purpose can help you walk faster, and have a firmer grip and greater body balance and control—indicators of how fast you are aging.
- Improves coping skills. Life has its ups and downs. And, as Bette Davis once said, “Getting old ain’t for sissies.” A few more wrinkles and a bit less hair, some new creaks in the knee joints and other challenges are a whole lot easier to deal with—and laugh at—when you can share them over lunch with a friend. Socialization for seniors, particularly in a senior living community such as New Perspective, gives you ample opportunities to leave worries behind and make the most of what life has in store.
We believe that to live a life with purpose, surround yourself with people who make a difference. At New Perspective, we are here to welcome you. Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Contact us today.