As people grow older, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to maintain healthy social lives. Children grow up and leave home. Friends and family members move to different parts of the world. Spouses and peers pass away. Basically, the typical senior’s social network has a way of breaking down naturally, which is why it’s so important for caregivers and loved ones to help older individuals maintain their ties to the world around them through social activities. The trend these days is for seniors to stay at home longer, which provides numerous benefits, but it can also keep older folks from experiencing some of the social settings that older generations enjoyed.
Thankfully, there are some things you can do to help!
Combatting Loneliness
According to recent research, as many as one out of every five seniors reports feeling lonely a significant amount of the time. This can lead to depression and other health issues that lower life expectancies and make existence a struggle on a day-to-day basis. In many cases, these feelings of loneliness and depression are caused directly by a lack of social contact.
Researchers have also found a direct correlation between the number of social groups a senior is a part of and their feelings of general wellbeing. Basically, whenever a senior stops participating in a social group, their quality of life drops by as much as 10% over six years. That’s actually a huge number, and it’s even more shocking when you consider that many seniors drop out of multiple social groups post retirement.
Be A Joiner!
The best way to combat this trend is to encourage seniors to join groups that are made up of people who have similar interests. It’s hard for older individuals to break from their routines, but the benefits of being social far outweigh the comforts associated with sticking to a familiar — yet socially debilitating — routine.
Some available groups to join may include:
–Choirs or other groups formed around singing/playing music
–Book clubs
–Cycling, jogging or other groups that focus on physical fitness
–Card and board-game playing groups
–Coffee and conversation clubs
–Church or faith-related groups
–Groups associated with specific political or social issues
Senior Care Services Can Help!
If you are caring for a senior loved one, you might feel lost when it comes to helping them combat loneliness and stay social. You can do your best to convince your loved one of the power of social activity, but it might not be possible for you to do it all by yourself.
Thankfully, senior care services such as those provided by Always Best Care are available! At Always Best Care, we know what it takes to provide seniors with the right kind of companionship and care, plus we know how to encourage seniors to get out there and be social.
Are you wondering how Always Best Care may be able to help you and your loved one? Give us a call today at 1 (855) 470-CARE (2273) and learn how you can receive your absolutely FREE consultation. We can’t wait to hear from you!
