How Social Interaction Supports Wellness in Assisted Living
Social interaction can boost your mood, offer a sense of belonging, and improve your health. You can find group activities for older adults through active retirement living in Fuquay-Varina, NC.
According to Michigan Medicine, one in three seniors experiences loneliness and social isolation. Both can have detrimental effects on your mental and physical well-being. Before that happens, explore assisted living events that encourage social interaction.
Socializing can give you a sense of purpose and belonging within your community. How does socializing support overall wellness in Fuquay-Varina, NC? Read on to find out!
What Are the Risk Factors of Social Isolation?
According to the CDC, one in four American adults lacks emotional or social support. They may feel lonely or disconnected from others, even when surrounded by friends and family.
Some lifestyle factors, conditions, and experiences that may increase your risk of social isolation and loneliness include:
- Having limited access to resources
- Living in rural areas
- Lacking transportation
- Language barriers
- Having a chronic disease or condition
- Having a depressive or psychiatric condition
- Struggling with a long-term disability
- Being discriminated against or marginalized
- Facing the loss of a loved one or divorce
- Facing unemployment or retirement
If you're at risk, reach out to members of your community. Make an effort to socialize before loneliness affects your mental or physical well-being.
Why Is Having a Senior Social Life Important?
According to the National Institute on Aging, loneliness and social isolation can pose health risks for seniors. Both are associated with an increased risk of physical and mental conditions, including:
- Heart disease
- A weakened immune system
- Obesity
- Cognitive decline
- Alzheimer's disease
- Death
- Anxiety
- High blood pressure
- Depression
Having a strong social life, on the other hand, may extend your longevity. It could improve your emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Here are a few ways having a senior social life can improve your overall health.
Emotional Wellness in Aging Seniors
Depression affects over 21 million US adults annually, according to the NCOA. As we get older, lifestyle factors can increase our risk of depression, including:
- Social isolation
- Lower income
- Disability
- Chronic medical illnesses
Common symptoms of depression include:
- Oversleeping or insomnia
- Apathy (not caring about anything)
- Decreased appetite or overeating
- Difficulty concentrating and other cognitive changes
- A sense of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
- Irritability
- Persistent sadness
- Slower movement or speech
- Fatigue or low energy
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
- Physical pain that doesn't improve with treatment
- Digestive problems
Consult a doctor or mental health professional if these symptoms persist. Otherwise, reach out to members of your community. Socializing can improve emotional wellness in aging adults.
Socializing will remind you that you're not alone. It can give you a sense of purpose and belonging, which can improve your mood and self-esteem.
Look for ways to contribute to your community. For example, you can teach peers new skills or volunteer within your community. Sharing your knowledge with others can improve your mood and enhance your sense of belonging.
Mental Well-Being
According to the National Institute on Aging, feeling lonely can increase your risk for dementia by 31%. Loneliness is also linked to vascular dementia and cognitive impairment without dementia.
Social interaction with other seniors may help reduce your risk of cognitive decline. For example, group activities for older adults can keep your mind active. You form new neural pathways, improving your neuroplasticity.
Forming new neural pathways may help reduce your risk of memory problems and cognitive decline. Explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar for:
- Trivia nights and brain games
- Classes to expand your skill set
- Discussion groups and book clubs
- Educational classes
Physical Health
Spending time with friends and engaging in assisted living events can keep you physically active. Staying active may help:
- Reduce your risk of functional limitations
- Improve your mood
- Improve your sleep quality and relieve stress
- Reduce your risk of premature death
- Support positive mental health
- Ease symptoms of chronic health conditions
Ask friends to join you as you explore your senior living community's fitness program. They can hold you accountable to attend classes weekly.
Tips for Active Retirement Living
Ready to make new friends within your community? Apply these tips for active retirement living to start socializing!
Fitness Group Activities for Older Adults
Try to exercise for 150 minutes a week (or 30 minutes a day). You can find fun exercises through your senior living community's fitness program, including:
- Tai chi
- Pilates
- Yoga or chair yoga
- Weight lifting
- Resistance band training
- Walking or hiking
Exercising boosts brain chemicals associated with your mood. Participate with friends to make working out more enjoyable.
Assisted Living Events
Explore your senior living community's events calendar for:
- Dance classes
- Art classes
- Music lessons
- Gardening clubs
- Walking or hiking clubs
- Cooking lessons
These group events can help you meet seniors with similar interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Seniors Self-Isolate?
Some seniors self-isolate after losing a loved one. Their lack of quality relationships may discourage them from reaching out to their community. However, this isolation can cause your overall health to deteriorate over time.
Reach out to members of your community if you:
- Neglect your personal health or hygiene
- Withdraw from loved ones and social activities
- Feel sad, anxious, or hopeless for over two weeks
- Aren't exercising
- Experience memory loss or confusion
How Often Should Seniors Socialize?
Try to socialize a little each day.Socializing frequently can enhance your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It may extend your longevity and improve your quality of life.
If you're struggling to connect with other seniors, try:
- Scheduling regular calls with friends and family members
- Volunteering to meet new people within your community
- Joining an exercise class or a book club that meets regularly
- Spending meals with friends or neighbors
You can find more opportunities to socialize through your senior living community.
Prioritize Social Interaction in Fuquay-Varina
Social interaction can enhance your emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Use these tips to connect with other seniors in Fuquay-Varina. Remember, you can find group activities for older adults through your senior living community.
TerraBella Fuquay-Varina is designed to provide a lifestyle that enhances your life as you age. Enjoy robust events and activities like educational programs and games, chef-prepared homestyle dining with attentive tableside service, and on-site exercise classes through our wellness program. Contact us to schedule your tour.