The Tremendous Effects of Senior Socialization
It’s intuitive to most of us that socializing with others improves wellbeing by keeping one connected to other people’s experiences, beliefs, struggles, humor, viewpoints, and a number of other human occurrences. Now, however, scientific research is proving that socializing with others, and in particular senior socialization, actually may enhance the wellness of both brain and body.
The results point clearly to the benefits of friendship and social engagement for older adults. A study executed by Rush University Medical Center showed that someone who reported a high level of senior socialization was nearly twice as likely to remain free of a disability involving activities of daily living than somebody with a low level of social activity, and nearly 1.5 times as likely to remain free of disability involving instrumental activities of daily living or mobility. Very social older persons had a 70% reduction in their rate of cognitive decline as compared to unsocial peers.
And yet, being social is not instinctive to everybody, and for many, it turns out to be tougher with age because one’s capability to get around may become greatly reduced. Here are several ways a California home care company such as Hired Hands Homecare can help seniors stay social and protect their wellbeing:
- Promote attendance at and serve as a personal escort to social outings such as club meetings, community events such as fairs, holiday activities and parades, plays, concerts, and sports events, religious services and activities.
- Share in playing interactive games such as board games, cards and Nintendo Wii.
- Plan and schedule visits with friends and neighbors.
- Offer transportation to an adult day facility or a low impact exercise class.
- Offer companionship during family celebrations or vacations for optimum comfort and safety.
- Introduce seniors to social networks such as Facebook and Skype to enable them to connect with family and friends even if they are homebound.
In the recent Social Activity and Wellbeing of Older Australians Study, testing over 6,000 older adults over about 5 1/2 years, older adults who have ongoing, regular social activity were shown to have a slower decrease in intellectual and memory abilities. Better mental capacity was preserved best in those people who were the most socially active.
Having a qualified California home care company provide in-home care to encourage and aid with senior socialization might just be one of the most significant ways to help an elderly adult continue to thrive and feel alive. Hired Hands Homecare staff are all committed to supporting the independence, dignity, and social connectedness of every person we serve. To learn more about our California home care solutions, contact us at (866) 940-4343.
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