Whether we’re outing on saturday evening, visiting a new place or enjoying a beautiful picnic with friends, social wellness and nurturing ourselves and our relationships with other people plays an integral role in overall health and happyness
A time to recognize the ways older adults can benefit from connecting with other people. Research has shown that people with strong social networks may live longer, have stronger immune systems, respond better to stressful situations, and have better heart and endocrine function. What steps can older adults take increasing their social wellness? Receive — and Give — Social Support Social wellness does not occur in a vacuum; it is the product of strong relationships. By building relationships with family members, along with friends old and new, you create a support system you can turn to in times of need. To create strong relationships, be honest and open with others, and be willing to give and accept support.
Having strong social support can significantly improve quality of life for older adults, and it can take a number of different forms. Informational support refers to offering knowledge that can assist someone else. Support groups, for example, can serve as a form of informational support. Meanwhile, instrumental support refers to practical forms of help, such as financial assistance or pitching in with household chores. Perhaps most importantly, emotional support involves the many types of actions people can take to make someone else feel that they are loved and valued. Leave Your Comfort Zone If you would like to expand your social circle, you may need to get out of your comfort zone to do so. To meet new people, consider joining a book group, attending fitness classes, or going on some group day trips. If you have a hobby — anything from photography to cooking to boating — seek out others who share your interests. Volunteering serves as another great way to meet like-minded individuals. By volunteering with a school, hospital or nonprofit organization, you will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of events, and you are sure to make new friends. Focus on Quality You can maintain — and even improve — your social wellness by building strong relationships with just a few close friends. Not everyone wishes to build large networks of acquaintances, and quantity of friends plays a minor role in feeling connected. To strengthen your connections with dear friends, stay in touch by calling, writing, texting or visiting. By getting out of your comfort zone to meet new people, giving and receiving support, and nurturing close relationships, you can maintain healthy connections and continue to improve your social wellness..
OLDER ADULTS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL INTERACTION
you get older and retire or move to a new community, you may not have quite as many opportunities to socialize as you did when you were younger. If you're not heading to an office or getting out and about each day, you may be missing out on important social interaction that you need to stay sharp, healthy, and maybe even ward off dementia. Research has shown that social interaction offers older adults many benefits. Staying socially active and maintaining interpersonal relationships can help you maintain good physical and emotional health and cognitive function.
People who continue to maintain close friendships and find other ways to interact socially live longer than those who become isolated. Relationships and social interactions even help protect against illness by boosting your immune system. The benefits of being social Specific health benefits of social interaction in older adults include: Potentially reduced risk for cardiovascular problems, some cancers, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis Potentially reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease Lower blood pressure Reduced risk for mental health issues such as depression Conversely, social isolation carries real risks. Some of these risks are: Feeling lonely and depressed Being less physically active Having a greater risk of death Having high blood pressure Social interaction helps keep your brain from getting rusty, but it's most effective when coupled with an overall healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet and physical activity.
Housing options for older adults
If you have an older relative you are caring for, or you’re considering senior housing for yourself, you’ve likely felt overwhelmed by all the choices out there. What are the different options and how do you know which is the right one? Here’s a quick overview of the four most common options for senior care.
Independent Living Can also be referred to as retirement communities, senior apartment complexes or retirement villages. Who is it for? Someone who can manage daily activities mostly on their own, such as preparing meals, managing personal hygiene, taking medications, completing chores, driving and/or coordinating transportation, and keeping up with their finances. What does it offer? The primary benefit of an independent living community is the social network. Most communities offer communal activities and a robust social calendar, as well as amenities such as dining halls, exercise facilities and even on-site salons. Some offer access to tennis and golf for additional activity options. Assisted Personal Care Who is it for? Someone struggling to manage the daily activities listed above who needs extra assistance. May include someone with a health condition that requires regular and/or specialty care. What does it offer? Assisted living provides many of the benefits of independent living, plus additional on-site support. In addition to communal activities and amenities, assisted living communities can provide daily meals, basic housekeeping, laundry, transportation and medical care. Assisted living regulations vary by state, so do your research. The National Center for Assisted Living provides a review. Skilled Nursing Can also be referred to as nursing homes. Who is it for? Someone with illnesses or mental conditions requiring full-time monitoring and medical care. What does it offer? Skilled nursing provides the most extensive care you can get outside of a hospital. They help with custodial care such as bathing, dressing and eating. They also provide medical care, including monitoring and treatment, administered by medical professionals. Skilled nursing residents live in semi-private rooms with options for communal or individual meals. Some social activities and amenities are provided. Nursing Home Compare is a tool developed by the federal government to compare nursing homes in your region. Memory Care Who is it for? Someone with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or another type of memory problem. What does it offer? It’s important to note that while some of the facilities mentioned above provide memory care services, memory care on its own is a specific kind of long-term care designed for patients with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other memory conditions. Because they are designed for these patients, they offer specialized services such as therapeutic programs, expert supervision, social programs and family outreach. The National Alzheimer’s Association offers help in selecting a memory care facility. While these are the four most common options, there are many different kinds of communities that may specialize in one type of care or offer several. The earlier you start reviewing your options, the better; and don’t be afraid to ask for help..
