Seniors and the Importance of Social Interactions

Earlier research has found that interaction with others is a major aspect of good health for senior citizen. Those interactions can begin to reduce and minimize as a person gets older, or if he moves to an assisted living facility. This is unfortunate because such social interaction is very important for a senior to stay mentally alert, and physically healthy.

There are several benefits of maintaining a good social life for a senior citizen. Studies have indicated a much higher level of physical health, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular problems, and reduced blood pressure. The senior also has a much lower risk of depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.

There are also significant benefits for a person’s emotional and mental state well-being. A person who has very little social interaction with others may feel depressed, lonely, and isolated. He may become less active physically, and this may begin to affect his overall physical health. There is a serious risk of cardiovascular disease, as loneliness and depression sets in, and a much greater risk that the mind will become rusty, and lose some of its sharpness.

Regular interactions with family, loved ones, friends and neighbors, can help older adults remain healthier.  However, these interactions must be healthy and contribute to a sense of overall wellbeing.  Negative social interactions can contribute directly to hypertension and other health problems among senior adults. A senior home care companion can provide healthy and positive social interaction that is necessary for optimum senior health.

1. Stay in touch with friends, families and neighbors. Visit these people regularly.
2. Volunteer in your community.
3. Join a game club or a book club, depending on your hobbies or interests.
4. Join a cooking class in your neighborhood or learn a new language. Gyms and fitness centers are also great places to meet people like you.
5. Learn to use the Internet. E-mail, Facebook and other social media can be great ways to keep in touch with families and participate in your loved ones’ lives, even though you are far away from them.
6. Use all communication tools, including cell phones, texting devices, and computers.

Apart from providing social interaction and conversation, a home care companion can also drive your loved one to clubs, classes, senior care centers, and other places for some much needed social therapy. Get in touch with us now to find out more about keeping your senior loved one healthy.