It’s intuitive to most of us that interacting with others improves health and wellbeing. It keeps us connected to other people’s experiences, beliefs, struggles, humor, points of views, and various other human occurrences. However, now scientific studies are determining that socializing with others, and most notably seniors socializing with others, actually may boost the wellness of both mind and body.
The outcomes point clearly to the advantages of friendship and social engagement for older individuals. A study performed by Rush University Medical Center revealed that someone who noted a high level of socialization was almost twice as likely to remain free of an impairment with activities of daily living than someone with a low amount of social activity, and about one and a half times as likely to remain free of impairment with instrumental activities of daily living or mobility. Very social seniors had a 70% decrease in their rate of cognitive decline compared to unsocial seniors.
Even so, being social is not instinctive to everyone, and for many, it becomes more difficult with age because one’s ability to get around can become greatly reduced. Here are several ways that CareFor, the leading providers of home care in Austin, can help older individuals stay social and improve their quality of life:
- Encourage attendance at and serve as a personal escort to social outings including club meetings, community activities like fairs, holiday activities and parades, concerts, plays, and sports events, faith-based services and activities.
- Share in playing interactive games with the senior like board games, cards and Nintendo Wii.
- Plan and schedule visits with friends and family.
- Offer transportation to a senior day facility or a low impact exercise class.
- Offer companionship at family celebrations or vacations for optimum safety and comfort.
- Introduce seniors to social networks like Facebook and Skype to permit them to connect with family and friends even if they are homebound.
In the Social Activity and Wellbeing of Older Australians Study, assessing over 6,000 seniors over about 5-1/2 years, older adults who have routine, regular social activity experienced a slower decrease in intellectual and memory capabilities. Enhanced mental capacity was noted most in those people who were the most socially engaged.
Having a qualified home care company provide in-home care to motivate and aid with senior socialization might just be one of the best ways to help an older adult continue to thrive and feel alive. CareFor’s staff are all committed to supporting the independence, dignity, and social connectedness of every senior we serve. To learn more about the ways that CareFor can increase socialization in a senior you love, contact us online or at (512) 338-4533. For a full list of the communities we serve, please visit our Service Area page.