Socializing with other people is an important factor for older adults to live a healthier, more active lifestyle. Social connections can reduce the risk of isolation and loneliness, enhancing seniors’ overall well-being. Despite the importance of socialization for seniors, it can become difficult to maintain lasting social connections later in life.
In this article, we will help you understand the importance of socialization for older adults and provide practical tips to help seniors stay engaged.
The Health Benefits of Social Connections
Several benefits of socialization for seniors relate to improved mental and physical health. Here's a glimpse into how socializing with others can help seniors live a healthier life.
Improved Mental Health
When you're lonely, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone involved in regulating mood and your body’s response to stress. As a result, it’s believed that loneliness increases the risk of depression and anxiety. Because socialization reduces loneliness, it may lead to lower levels of anxiety and depression among older adults.
Regular socialization also has positive effects on emotional well-being and self-esteem. When an older adult participates in social activities, they tend to feel better about themselves.
Enhanced Cognitive Function
If you've ever wondered how to improve cognitive function, there's good news: The simple act of socializing with others stimulates the brain, which may slow cognitive decline. For example, engaging in conversation requires seniors to recall facts, pay attention, and control their thoughts.
One study showed that socially isolated older adults had a 27% higher risk of developing dementia over a nine-year period than their socially active counterparts. Participating in social activities for seniors activates several parts of the brain, giving older adults the opportunity to stretch their mental muscles.
Physical Health Benefits
The importance of socialization for seniors also extends to physical health. When an older adult joins a walking group, participates in a group outing to a museum, or takes exercise classes at a local gym, they have the opportunity to move around. Even light activity helps strengthen the body.
Socialization has also been linked to lower blood pressure, increased longevity, and a stronger immune system. In fact, it’s been found that positive social connection reduces inflammation and may even have a virus-fighting effect.
The Risks of Social Isolation for Seniors
Isolation is the lack of regular interactions with other people. It's different from loneliness, but it has some of the same impacts.
Increased Risk of Cognitive Decline
A lack of senior companionship increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, as it leaves older adults with fewer opportunities to stimulate their brains. If a senior spends all day watching TV, for example, they don't have many opportunities to recall facts, listen to multiple points of view, improve their working memory, or monitor their own thoughts.
Isolation can also contribute to memory loss and confusion. When an older adult doesn't visit with friends or take part in social activities, it's easy for the days to blend together, making it difficult to keep track of time. The lack of mental stimulation may also lead to memory loss.
Negative Impact on Physical Health
It's easier to stay active if you have plenty of social connections to keep you engaged. If your loved one lacks senior companionship, however, they may spend most of their time doing sedentary activities. A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of heart disease and other chronic health conditions.
Socialization has a positive impact on the immune system. If your loved one is isolated from others, it may cause them to be more susceptible to illness.
Emotional and Psychological Effects
Social isolation also takes a toll on a senior's psyche. It's one thing to be a little lonely from time to time, but prolonged isolation can cause sadness or anxiety. Without social connections, many older adults can also feel a bit aimless, as if they no longer have a purpose once they've raised children or retired from working full time.
How Senior Living Communities Encourage Social Connection
Isolation and loneliness don’t have to be inevitable for seniors. We can maintain an active social life at any age, and residing in a senior living community can help immensely.
Organized Activities and Events
Group programs and activities are a great way for seniors to stay engaged, as they bring several people together to share a common interest. Game nights, book clubs, and art classes are all examples of beneficial social activities for adults.
Sunrise strives to help residents maintain strong social connections, so we provide a diverse calendar of daily activities that help residents live with purpose.
Opportunities for Intergenerational Interaction
Interacting with people from younger generations has several benefits for older adults, including providing a sense of purpose. At Sunrise, our Live With Legacy program helps residents share their wisdom by taking part in activities with local students and scout troops.
Peer Support and Friendships
Peer-to-peer support also enhances well-being, so it's important for older adults to maintain as many solid friendships as they can. At Sunrise, our residents have endless opportunities to connect and form meaningful relationships. Communal dining, group activities, and social events all create opportunities for senior residents to strengthen existing friendships or form new ones.
Family's Role in Supporting Social Connection
Family members play an important role in supporting social connection for seniors. Here are a few tips to help keep seniors in your life engaged.
Staying Connected from Anywhere
Schedule regular phone calls, video chats, or in-person visits. If the senior has dementia or another form of cognitive decline, schedule these activities as early in the day as possible, as dementia symptoms tend to increase at night.
Involving older loved ones in family events helps them feel included, which can have a positive effect on their self-esteem, even if they participate virtually.
Encouraging Participation in Community Activities
To motivate your loved one to participate in social activities, discuss the physical and mental benefits of socialization. If they're a bit hesitant, remind them about all the fun they have when they visit with friends or participate in group activities. Discuss what their passions and interests are and help them find related activities.
Set a Consistent Schedule
Having a weekly routine that includes socialization and activities with others their age can help seniors commit to socializing. Find recurring activities, such as trivia or game nights at the same time each week, and help ensure they have transportation to attend them.
Sunrise Senior Living's Approach to Social Well-Being
Sunrise Senior Living takes a personalized approach to social well-being, ensuring every resident has regular opportunities to interact with others.
An Active Social Life
We have daily activities, social events, and local excursions to enhance residents' social lives. Our team members get to know residents on a personal level, which allows them to suggest activities related to their interests—helping them connect with others who share their passions.
Engaging Programs and Activities
Sunrise helps residents stay active and connected through group activities like music therapy, book clubs, exercise classes, art sessions, afternoon socials, and so much more.
A Sense of Community
We work hard to foster relationships among residents. Getting to know them on a personal level, our team members form meaningful connections with residents, as well as encourage them to connect with their peers to create a socially vibrant environment.
Prioritizing Social Connection for Senior Well-Being
You can foster social connections by encouraging seniors in your life to stay active, helping them find activities that match their interests, and asking younger family members to visit.
Learn more about our commitment to creating a socially enriching environment by finding a Sunrise community near you.