The Impact of Social Connections in Assisted Living
According to the National Library of Medicine, severe loneliness in adults ages 65 and up ranges between 2 and 16%. Over 30% of seniors feel lonely, which can be harmful to their emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
Before loneliness affects your health, consider moving into a senior living community. You can build social connections with other seniors while enjoying social activities in assisted living.
What exactly are the benefits of building relationships in senior living, and how can you start building these connections? Read on to find out!
Benefits of Senior Social Engagement
Building strong connections is important to having a fulfilling life. Unfortunately, American adults spend 30% less time socializing face-to-face than 20 years ago.
You may notice changes to your mental, physical, and emotional health if you're not socializing. Here are a few benefits of senior social engagement you can experience at an assisted living community.
Better Mental Health
According to the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, & Psychiatry, older people with feelings of loneliness are more likely to develop dementia than others. Social isolation and loneliness are associated with cognitive decline. Isolating yourself may contribute to mental health issues like:
- Feeling hopeless
- Anxiety
- Depression
You can start building relationships in senior living communities. Engaging with others can benefit your mental health. You'll gain a sense of belonging within your community, which can boost your mood.
If you experience feelings of depression, you'll have a support system you can lean on. Spending time with other seniors can encourage conversation, which is mentally stimulating. As you enjoy social activities in assisted living, you'll:
- Maintain cognitive abilities
- Develop problem-solving skills
- Feel less stressed
Choosing community living for seniors will surround you with like-minded individuals. Their presence and support may boost your mood, improving your overall well-being.
Explore your senior living community's upcoming activities. You can enjoy fun hobbies and clubs alongside new friends. This may have a protective effect against Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Improved Physical Health
Social isolation may cause you to become withdrawn. You may stay inside more often, reducing your exposure to sunlight. Sunlight exposure helps your body produce vitamin D, which plays a part in:
- Bone health
- Muscle health
- Immune function
- Reducing diabetes risk
- Cancer prevention
Instead, enjoy social activities in assisted living alongside other seniors. Developing strong social connections may encourage you to remain physically active. For example, you may join a walking club or start gardening, leading to more sunlight exposure.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, connecting with others may protect us against serious illnesses and diseases. These include:
- Dementia
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Anxiety and depression
People who develop strong social bonds are more likely to live healthy, long lives. You'll have an easier time managing your stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms.
Having friends may encourage you to remain physically active and eat healthy, nutritious meals. You can join friends for meals while enjoying your community's dining program.
Emotional Support for the Elderly
Senior social engagement can help you build a strong support system. Your friends will encourage you to take healthy risks.
Their support can strengthen your self-confidence and self-esteem. This can improve your emotional health and overall well-being.
Building Relationships in Senior Living
Building relationships in senior living communities can feel daunting. Here are a few ways you can make and maintain relationships.
Explore Social Activities in Senior Living
Explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar. You can enjoy existing interests among new friends.
These activities may include:
- Knitting, crocheting, and quilting clubs
- Art classes
- Cooking classes
- Music lessons
- Walking clubs
- Fitness classes
- Field trips
- Book and film clubs
- Bingo nights
- Pet therapy
- Gardening clubs
Try branching out and exploring new hobbies. Developing new skills will keep your mind active. You'll build new neural pathways, allowing you to function at a higher level of mental capacity.
Exercise With Friends
Exercise alongside friends to socialize, grow stronger, and improve your mental health. Your senior living community's wellness program may offer classes like:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Strength training
- Swimming
- Water aerobics
- Walking clubs
Your friends can hold you accountable, encouraging you to participate regularly. Regular exercise and socializing can improve your mood. You can share experiences, have fun, and strengthen connections.
Exercising will offer physical benefits like:
- Lowering blood sugar
- Strengthening your bones (reducing your risk of osteoporosis)
- Reducing stress
- Strengthening your heart (lowering your risk of heart disease and stroke)
- Lowering your risk of type 2 diabetes
- Reducing your risk of developing dementia and depression
- Helping you live independently longer
- Relieving tension
- Helping you maintain a healthy weight
- Lowering your risk of certain cancers
Volunteer Together
Community living for seniors will give you opportunities to volunteer. Volunteering allows you to give back to the community, which can give you a sense of purpose.
Participating may help you reduce stress and stay physically active. Explore different organizations, like Feeding America or Habitat for Humanity, for volunteer opportunities.
Continue Your Education
Join new friends for classes and workshops to continue your education. Continuous learning can:
- Encourage socialization
- Challenge your mind
- Boost your self-esteem
- Improve your memory
Your senior living community may host regular classes. You can participate with friends while sharing your common interests. Consider learning a new language, musical instrument, or how to use technology.
Find Support
Consider joining a support group hosted by your senior living community. There are support groups for:
- Grief
- Depression
- Coping with aging
- Chronic health issues
Gaining support from seniors who understand what you're going through can provide emotional relief. Having this support can help you develop coping strategies. You'll have an easier time navigating emotional challenges, benefiting your overall well-being.
Start Fostering Social Connections
Building strong social connections in a senior living community can benefit your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Ongoing senior social engagement will improve your quality of life. Start enjoying social activities in assisted living today!
You can start building relationships in senior living at Woodbury Mews. We offer exceptional, boutique-style living in a warm and welcoming environment.
Discover our continuum of care, comfortable living features, and engaging programs. Contact us today to schedule a tour!