How can you measure your quality of life? For most people, it's about having a good job or access to social amenities. However, one overlooked aspect is the value of socialization and interacting with others.
According to the World Health Organization, social isolation and loneliness are major risk factors for adverse mental health for seniors. Fortunately, assisted living communities mitigate this risk by hosting social events and creating a calendar of activities to keep seniors engaged.
As humans, we are designed to live through social interactions. The older we get, the more the need for friends and social connections becomes apparent. Let's explore the benefits of social events at assisted living.
It's pretty common for the level of physical activity to decrease as we age. However, this is often accompanied by adverse health issues, including mobility difficulties. Participating in social events can stimulate physical activity by encouraging regular movement.
Besides, assisted living activities create a routine that can help you stay active. Some of the health benefits of physical exercise for seniors include:
By supporting physical activity, social events help improve seniors' health outcomes.
One of the senior social benefits of social events in assisted living is the opportunity to engage with peers and other members of the community. The events help seniors step out of their comfort zone and forge new connections. This is important for making friends and achieving a whole social life.
Being socially engaged goes a long way in mitigating the risk of loneliness. Consequently, seniors who engage in social activities have a longer, healthier lifespan, according to the National Institute on Aging.
Prolonged social engagement leads to a sense of belonging within a particular community. This, in turn, can serve as a source of social support where you can feel loved, valued, and understood.
Social events and activities offer a chance for cognitive stimulation. Some of the assisted living activities you can find include:
All these activities are done in the company of peers to foster interactions. Participating allows seniors to challenge and work their mental faculties. It also helps you learn something new and develop hobbies you can enjoy in your golden years.
Staying social, especially in old age, activates the brain and helps improve emotional well-being. This can help slow down the symptoms of neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia.
Social events also help seniors retain their memory function. Surrounding yourself with friends and family can stimulate various areas of your brain, especially the ones dealing with memory and comprehension.
Mental health issues have become very prevalent in the modern age. Social isolation and loneliness are contributory risk factors for conditions such as depression and anxiety. The tendency to become socially withdrawn as you age is normal. Some of the reasons seniors may isolate or stay alone include:
Elderly community events at assisted living communities are designed to help improve your emotional well-being. By connecting with peers, assisted living allows seniors to overcome feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Further, the experience of communal activities can reignite your social life by giving you companions. These will help you gain a more positive outlook on life and give you an emotional outlet where you can vent and share your feelings.
The McKinsey Health Institute found that seniors are healthier and happier if they participate in social activities. The events at assisted living allow you to develop a stronger bond with your community.
Assisted living communities usually involve the larger neighborhood in their social activities. This creates an opportunity for seniors to interact and share their knowledge with other generations. Seniors can also interact with the community through volunteer programs.
The involvement of family members is another benefit of social events. The events are often hosted around significant holidays such as the Fourth of July. Spending more time with family improves your bond as you share experiences.
Although social events are ideal for enhancing social interaction, they also promote independence. The interaction with peers and other trained personnel can help you exercise more autonomy.
Other ways in which you become more independent in assisted living include:
Staying active in retirement requires having access to the proper care. Assisted living provides a balance between support and access to a wide range of activities. The home-like environment will cater to your unique tastes and preferences.
Additionally, the freedom to participate in social events enhances your independence. For instance, you can learn a new skill and uncover new interests.
The activities in these communities are diverse to ensure you have something to enjoy, while diversity encourages inclusion and participation from all residents.
It's common to want to grow old somewhere close to our loved ones. But that often becomes an untenable situation due to the care needs of aging. Assisted living communities have the amenities you need to live comfortably and safely.
Some of the reasons you should consider assisted living are:
Assisted living communities also enable interaction with both peers and the wider community. You can host social gatherings for non-residents such as your family members.
Getting old doesn't have to be a dull experience. You can maintain a vibrant social life by taking advantage of the social events available in assisted living.
Addington Place of Muscatine is the community to be if you want to enjoy your golden years fully. From fine dining and on-site amenities to a full calendar of events, we tailor our services to enrich all aspects of your life.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you thrive.