It’s instinctive to the majority of us that a social life with others boosts wellbeing. It connects us to other people’s experiences, beliefs, challenges, humor, opinions, and a number of other human occurrences. Now, however, scientific studies are verifying the benefits of a social life, especially for seniors, and how it can actually boost the wellness of both mind and body.
The outcomes point clearly to the advantages of friendship and social engagement for older individuals. A study conducted by Rush University Medical Center showed that a senior who noted a high degree of socialization was almost twice as likely to avoid a disability involving activities of daily living than a person with a minimal level of social activity, and about 1.5 times as likely to avoid disability involving instrumental activities of daily living or mobility. Very social seniors had a 70% reduction in their rate of cognitive decline when compared with unsocial seniors.
However, staying social is not instinctual to all of us, and for many, it actually is more challenging with age because one’s capability to get around may be greatly reduced. Here are several ways a home care agency such as Compassionate Care Home Health Services, providers of in-home care in Saginaw, MI and the surrounding communities, can help older adults stay social and improve their quality of life:
- Promote attendance at and serve as a personal escort to enjoyable outings like club meetings, community activities like fairs, holiday activities and parades, concerts, plays, and sports events, faith-based services and activities.
- Play interactive games together such as board games, cards and Nintendo Wii.
- Plan and arrange for visits with neighbors and friends.
- Offer transportation to a senior day facility or an exercise class.
- Provide companionship during family get-togethers or vacations for optimum safety and comfort.
- Introduce seniors to social networks like Facebook and Skype to enable them to connect with family and friends even if they are homebound.
In the Social Activity and Wellbeing of Older Australians Study, evaluating more than 6,000 older individuals over about 5-1/2 years, older adults with ongoing, regular social activity experienced a slower decline in intellectual and memory abilities. Improved mental capacity was observed most in older adults who were the most socially active.
Having a qualified home care professional provide in-home care to encourage and assist with senior socialization might just be one of the most important ways to help an older person continue to thrive and feel alive. Compassionate Care Home Health Services‘ staff are all fully committed to supporting the independence, dignity, and social connectedness of every senior we serve. To learn more about home care in Saginaw, MI, and surrounding areas, contact us at 877.308.1212.