Critical as food, water, and shelter, social connection is a fundamental need. Without it, our risk for heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression, and dementia increases, as well as our vulnerability to viruses and respiratory illness. For seniors who want to enjoy a lifetime of independence in their homes, socialization is critical to well-being. But right now, we are in the middle of an epidemic of loneliness, according to the U.S. Surgeon General; isolation can be as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. So, let’s explore the health benefits of staying socially connected, ways to foster these connections, and the crucial role caregivers play in this process.
Health Benefits of Social Connections
Staying socially connected has profound impacts on both physical and mental health – especially in seniors. Engaging regularly with others can:
- Boost mental health. Social interactions can protect against depression, decreasing risk by 47%; it’s the strongest protective factor out of 100 different influencers. A smile from a friend releases hormones like dopamine which produces happiness and joy as well as protecting from stress. Getting together with friends can reduce the risk for dementia by 19% and people with a large social network are 25% less likely to develop dementia.
- Enhance physical health. Research has shown that social connection has substantial positive impacts in many categories of health from weight management, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Socially active seniors are twice as likely to reach physical activity guidelines, will commit to movement longer, and have a slower rate of decline after 14 years. Social engagement activities often contribute to overall physical fitness, like walking clubs and dance classes.
- Improve longevity. Healthy social networks increase the odds of longer life by 50% and, for women, a 41% better chance of celebrating an 85th birthday. BYU psychology professor and researcher Julianne Holt-Lunstad explains, “We have evidence that social connectedness is linked to immune functioning, to susceptibility to viruses and an ability to mount an effective immune response to vaccines, as well as health-related kinds of behaviors.” In short, socialization makes a difference in continued well-being for a longer lifespan.
Ways to Stay Connected
Maintaining social connections doesn’t have to be challenging. Some engaging ways for seniors to stay connected include:
- Community Clubs and Groups. From fitness classes to art workshops, these venues provide a variety of options for seniors to connect with others. Many centers sponsor engagement activities. Often, libraries host a variety of gatherings for hobby enthusiasts which provide regularly scheduled opportunities for interaction and friendships.
- Volunteer Opportunities. Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet people while contributing to the community and has been proven to benefit health. Many communities offer organizations that match those 55 and over with partner organizations.
The Role of Caregivers
Caregivers play a pivotal role in facilitating and encouraging social interactions for seniors. Here’s how they can help:
- Identify interests to help find suitable social activities.
- Provide or arrange transportation so seniors can get social gatherings.
- Encourage participation by scheduling and reminding seniors of social events.
Home Care Assistance recognizes the importance of social connections for our clients’ well-being. That’s why connecting with others is a key component of The Balanced Care Method™, an evidence-based holistic approach to health longevity. Our team is here to support and encourage seniors to stay socially active, bringing joy and a sense of community into their lives. Contact us today to learn more about how we accomplish that.
By staying socially connected, seniors can enjoy a richer, healthier life. Let’s all work together to ensure everyone can thrive in their golden years.
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Sources: HHS; NPR; CDC; SocialCreatures.org; American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine; International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health; Stanford; Deseret News