As we age, we acquire many things, such as experience, wisdom, and great stories. Tragically, however, some seniors begin to lose their social connections. The National Poll on Healthy Aging noted that in 2023, one in three adults aged 50-80 reported feeling socially isolated.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. Social connections are important for senior mental health and can even help us stay more physically healthy.
This post will explore why senior isolation happens and how to avoid it. We’ll also explore several health and wellness tips to help you live your best life in your golden years.
Why Senior Social Isolation Happens
Getting out of the house and seeing our friends can be harder as we get older. Also, as time goes by, relationships change. People downsize and move to smaller homes. Others may move to other parts of the state or country to be closer to their families.
The National Poll on Healthy Aging also noted that feelings of social isolation are higher among those with fair or poor mental health and those with health problems that limit their daily activities.
However, the golden years have the potential to be an exciting time in our lives-a time for fostering new friendships, embracing new hobbies, and getting the best social life you’ve had in years.
Why Social Connections Matter for Seniors
First, let’s deal with the obvious reason why it’s important to have a good senior social life. Getting together with friends makes life fun! Most of us have a natural desire to be with other people, hear or tell a few jokes, and generally enjoy other people’s company.
Incorporating regular social interaction into your healthy lifestyle could lead to a more fulfilling, rewarding life and health benefits.
A More Well-Rounded Life
A 2019 study in the Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences found there are many benefits to interacting with friends, family, and the wider community. This includes acquaintances, service providers, casual friends, and strangers, as well as our nearest and dearest.
People who regularly socialize experience:
- More physical exercise
- Less time sitting or lying around at home
- More happy moods
- Fewer negative feelings
The study noted that while older people may struggle to commit to going to the gym, other activities are more tempting. Heading out for coffee with friends and chatting with the barista may not be physical activities, but they can help us stay more physically active.
If you struggle to find the motivation to exercise, why not arrange to do it with friends? This is one of the many advantages of independent living communities. They often arrange fitness classes that let you stay fit while having a good time with like-minded people.
Boosts Brain Health
Cognitive decline is not an inevitable part of growing older. A good social life could even protect your senior mental health. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, social isolation can be a contributing factor to developing dementia.
However, even if you have been diagnosed with a memory condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease, getting together with friends is still beneficial as part of a healthy lifestyle. It may even help to slow down an individual’s rate of cognitive decline.
Fosters a Sense of Belonging
Whatever our age, we all need to feel needed. Time spent with others doesn’t just benefit us; it lets us show concern for others. This, in turn, is good for us, reinforcing our sense of belonging and purpose in life.
Becoming part of a senior independent living community makes it easier to feel that sense of belonging. You can develop rich and meaningful friendships. As you look out for and support each other, you’ll feel a key part of a beautiful community.
This is great for senior mental health and can boost your physical activity levels as well.
Reduces the Risk of Depression
Many people encounter depression and anxiety later in life. However, one of the best wellness tips for seniors that could combat the symptoms of depression is to connect with other people.
Independent living communities usually have an activity calendar full of events that make it easy to make social connections. For example, there may be themed parties, craft classes, cultural events, or outings. Also, many have communal restaurants where you can get a good meal with even better company.
Retain Your Independence
We all want to remain as independent as possible for as long as we can. Cultivating senior friendships can help us achieve this goal.
Friends can motivate us to remain fit and active. When you wake up looking forward to seeing your friends and getting involved in activities with them, it can put a spring in your step. Your social circle can encourage you to keep going and do as much for yourself as possible.
Health and Wellness Tips from Independent Living
Independent living is the perfect choice for active seniors who want the benefits of a supportive community on their doorstep. The right independent living community can help you by providing a range of engaging activities you can do with other people.
These may include:
- Board games, cards, and dominoes
- Exercise classes
- Aqua aerobics
- Video games
- Excursions and shopping trips
- Parties
- Movie nights
These are great activities to bond and form new friendships. Independent living communities often feature beautiful grounds with walking areas. You can stretch your legs and have a great conversation while enjoying the great outdoors in safety.
Your Best Senior Social Life Awaits at Country Club at Woodland Hills
We hope these health and wellness tips have shown you just how valuable senior friendships can be. If you are feeling somewhat isolated where you currently live, moving to Country Club at Woodland Hills could be a life-changing experience.
We provide outstanding accommodation in our senior living cottages and independent living community. Our Celebrations Activities and Events give you something to look forward to each day. Stay active and social, and have a blast in our friendly community.
Come and see what life is like at Country Club at Woodland Hills for yourself. Schedule a free tour today!
