Why Socializing is Important for Seniors
Why Socializing is Important for Seniors
Nearly three out of ten American seniors live alone, which is about 13.8 million people, according to the National Institute on Aging. It’s great that we seniors can stay independent, but it’s also important that we socialize. This article will explain why socializing is important for seniors and give some tips on how to avoid feeling lonely.
Why Do We Seniors Need to Socialize?
People are naturally social. Being around others helps us feel better and stay healthy. Dr. Craig Sawchuk from the Mayo Clinic says, “We are social animals by nature, so we tend to function better when we’re in a community setting and being around others.” However seniors often feel more lonely than younger people. A study by the UCSF Division of Geriatrics found that 43% of seniors feel lonely regularly.
As we seniors age, we are more likely to become isolated. To prevent loneliness and its negative effects, seniors and their families should try to stay active and engaged every day.
The Dangers of Being Alone
Being alone too much can harm a senior’s health in many ways. It can make them feel sad and lonely, but it can also lead to physical problems. A study by the National Academy of Sciences found that lonely seniors have worse physical and mental health. Seniors who don’t socialize are more likely to have:
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Heart failure
Depression
Anxiety
Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia
Loneliness and isolation can also lead to bad habits like not exercising, watching too much TV, especially violent programs and smoking.
Why Seniors Are at Risk of Isolation
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), seniors are more likely to feel lonely and isolated than younger people. Some reasons for this include:
Not driving or having transportation
Having chronic health problems
Not having many friends or family nearby
Lacking financial and other resources or support
It’s important to know the risks of social isolation. A study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that being socially isolated increases the risk of early death from all causes. These risks can be as serious as smoking, obesity, and not exercising. Loneliness and isolation increase the risk of dementia by about 50%, heart disease by 29%, and stroke by 32%.
How Socializing Helps Mental Health
Mental health is important for overall well-being, especially for seniors. Depression can be very harmful, making illnesses worse and lowering the quality of life. However, socializing can help improve mental health. The American Public Health Association says that socializing improves mood, thinking, memory, and encourages healthy behaviors like exercise. Activities like talking to family and friends, exercising, and playing games like bingo and cards can greatly boost seniors’ mental health.
Ways to Help Seniors Socialize
As we get older, they might become less active. It’s easy for seniors to fall into a routine of watching TV alone instead of going out or joining activities. Staying active is crucial for health. Here are some ways to help seniors socialize more:
Encourage them to join local clubs or groups
Help them use technology to connect with friends and family. There are many Facebook groups available specifically for seniors.
Suggest exercise classes or walking groups. My favorite form of exercise is Pilates.
Plan regular visits and outings with loved ones
By staying active and social, we seniors can improve their health and well-being.