Studies predict that the number of older households aged 80 and over will reach 10.1 million by 2038. The majority of these households will likely be made up of a single person living alone.
The problem with these statistics is that regular social activity is key to aging with grace and dignity. Socialization has been shown to provide many mental and physical health benefits for people of all ages. Getting old doesn't mean you have to stop getting out there and meeting new people.
Here are some benefits of social activities for seniors in assisted living and ones to try out.
A retirement community is a residential neighborhood or housing complex designed for older adults. These seniors may need some assistance with daily activities, or they may want to live independently in a community that supports them.
The importance of an assisted living community isn't only getting that daily help you may need. It's also about providing nearby access to peers your age who may share your interests. These are both aspects you may lack in other neighborhoods, especially if you live alone.
Socialization can bring many benefits to seniors, including improvements to their physical, mental, and emotional health. These benefits can help foster a sense of belonging and even help with mental function.
Mental health and elderly care go hand in hand, as the state of your mental and emotional state can have a big impact on your quality of life. You may even find that something like depression or anxiety also negatively affects your physical health.
Taking the opportunity to socialize allows you to avoid feelings of loneliness and isolation. These are some of the most significant issues faced by the elderly population, especially if their families live further away.
Human connection is key to keeping the brain active and slowing cognitive decline. Building up that community can promote a more optimistic and positive mindset in each resident.
Another common problem for seniors is cognitive decline. When they aren't working or spending time with friends and family, their brains may become less active. Socializing requires individuals to communicate, think critically, and remember past conversations.
Activities that encourage conversation and storytelling can help elderly individuals maintain cognitive clarity. Something as simple as playing card games or participating in group discussions can make a big difference.
Socialization encompasses a wide range of activities that include more physical ones. Regular social participation can encourage a more active lifestyle since you have new friends to participate with.
Group activities like walking or recreational sports can improve cardiovascular health and increase mobility. You may find that you sleep better at night and have more energy throughout the day. Going out and being social also means you'll get more exposure to sunlight and breathe in the fresh outdoor air.
The best part of staying social in an assisted living community is the fun and enjoyment it brings. When you socialize, you share laughter, stories, and the companionship of others. As a senior, it's important not to isolate yourself and deny the rest of the world.
Enhancing elderly well-being is an important goal of any assisted living community. They wouldn't be able to accomplish that goal if each resident stayed at home and isolated from the rest of the world.
As such, they make sure to provide ample opportunity for socialization and improving each resident's quality of life.
Assisted living communities provide carefully curated social activities for their residents to enjoy. The goal is to help each resident feel like they're living their best life and have ample opportunity to socialize throughout the week.
Some of these activities allow seniors to focus on their health, while others primarily focus on their enjoyment.
Senior workouts are essential for anyone who wants to stay healthy and keep their energy levels high. However, it's often difficult to motivate yourself or stay on track with your fitness goals.
One great way to stay active and social is by joining an exercise group. These groups may do yoga, walking, or even light dance. Choose the one that best matches your interests.
Arts and crafts are great outlets for creativity. Seniors of most fitness levels can participate in them and make something unique while socializing with their peers.
Many assisted living communities offer a combination of painting, knitting, sculpting, and other creative options. Seniors can collaborate on bigger projects or share their work with others.
Playing a game is another way to have fun and stay social. Chess, bridge, and bingo are a few options that allow for strategizing and conversation. They're also great for promoting concentration, strategy, and memory recall.
Readers will enjoy joining their community's book club. These can foster intellectual growth and social engagement as residents discuss literature and share interpretations of the story.
Some communities facilitate this interaction with onsite libraries. If they don't have the book a resident wants, they can usually order it.
A great way to combine movements with creativity is through dance. Music can evoke strong emotions and memories, which makes it great for social situations. Dancing adds another element many seniors can enjoy.
Live performances are great for music appreciation. Dance events are for the more physically capable residents. Both can provide emotional stimulation and promote positive moods.
The goal of social activities for seniors is to get them moving around and spending time with others. Doing so is great for their physical, mental, and emotional health. It also keeps them from getting bored, which can happen when you move into a new place and don't know anyone.
Addison Place is an assisted living community in New Castle, Indiana. Our focus is to provide personalized care for each resident while they live their best lives. Reach out today with any questions or to set up a visit.