It appears intuitive to some that socializing with others promotes wellbeing by maintaining connections to other people’s experiences, beliefs, struggles, humor, points of view, and a number of other human occurrences. Now, scientific studies are revealing that socializing with other people actually may enhance the health of your brain and your body; and thus, encouraging social activities for the elderly is a great way to foster better health.
Evidence points directly to the benefits of companionship and social engagement for the elderly. A study performed by Rush University Medical Center showed that someone who reported a high level of social activity was about twice as likely to remain free of a disability involving activities of daily living than a person with a lower level of social engagement, and nearly 1.5 times as likely to remain free of disability involving instrumental activities of daily living or mobility. Really social seniors had a 70% decrease in their level of cognitive decline when compared to their less social peers.
Still, staying social is not instinctive to everybody, and for a number of people, it becomes more difficult with age because one’s ability to get around may become greatly decreased. Following are a few ways a home care agency such as Live Well at Home can help seniors stay social and preserve their wellbeing:
- Encourage attendance at and provide accompaniment to social excursions like club meetings, community events including fairs, holiday festivities and parades, plays, concerts, and sporting events, religious services and church activities.
- Share in playing interactive games with clients such as board games, cards and Nintendo Wii.
- Arrange for visits with friends and neighbors.
- Provide transportation to an adult day facility or a low impact exercise class.
- Provide companionship during family celebrations or vacations for maximum comfort and safety.
- Help older adults navigate social networks such as Facebook and Skype so they can connect with family and friends even when homebound.
In the Social Activity and Wellbeing of Older Australians Study, which tested over 6,000 seniors across about 5 1/2 years, seniors who have frequent social activity had a slower decline in intellectual and memory capabilities. Effective mental ability was maintained best in those individuals who were the most socially active.
Having a qualified agency provide assistance to encourage and help with keeping an older adult socially active may be one of the most crucial means to help him or her continue to thrive and feel alive. Live Well at Home by Eskaton staff are all committed to promoting the independence, dignity, and social connectedness of every person to whom we provide elderly care Sacramento CA services. To learn more, contact us today at 916-459-3220.