Five Great Reasons a Solid Social Life for Seniors STILL Matters

October 11, 2022 by ·

One of the most common misconceptions many of us have about seniors is that their desire for activity declines with age. Just because a person may be physically slowing down and their health challenges are on the rise doesn’t mean they’re ready to call it quits. It doesn’t mean they’re ready to simply stay home, do nothing, and let the world revolve without them.

In fact, as people get older, their desire for social life in various activities may actually increase. When children are grown, married, off on their own life, and maybe having children, too, seniors get to be grandparents or great-grandparents. They can dote on their grandchildren and then send those young, energetic spirits back to their parents all hopped up on sugar and a fun time at grandma’s.

However, the rest of the time those same seniors desire more than just sitting around watching TV, reading a book, or doing a puzzle by themselves. They desire social connection. Why? Well, we are designed for social connection. It’s part of our DNA.

For seniors, there are many wonderful reasons why a good social life still matters. This is often the crux of positive elder care, including assisted living. Let’s look at those five reasons and, once you understand them, you’ll recognize the value a quality elder care option like assisted living can offer.

 

Reason #1: It offers a sense of belonging.

Assisted Living Chickasaw, Al: Social Life and Seniors

Assisted Living Chickasaw, Al: Social Life and Seniors

Being involved in social activity helps to nurture this sense of belonging. Each of us wants to feel like we belong to something. As you get older, though, your children grow up and leave the house, perhaps your spouse is off playing golf or passes away, and your closest friends began to drift away, it can feel isolating.

You feel as though you no longer belong anywhere. At assisted living, there are wonderful activities that help residents feel as though they belong still, because it still matters.

 

Reason #2: It can help lower stress.

As you get older, stress often increases because of health challenges. When you sit down and have a quality conversation with a close friend or your adult child or spouse, it helps you relax, doesn’t it? When you can express your concerns and fears, your doubts and worries, it makes it easier to work through those feelings. That happens in a sense of community.

 

Reason #3: It can boost mental health.

Aging seniors who are more socially active tend to be more mentally healthy. That’s not to say a person with depressive symptoms or depression can simply be cured by staying more socially active, but it helps to boost mental health.

 

Reason #4: It encourages physical activity.

The more time you spend around socially and physically active people, the more socially and physically active you become. That is vital to overall health when you move through your 70s and into your 80s.

 

Reason #5: It improves your support system.

You might have a great family network, some wonderful friends, but when you’re at assisted living, your support system grows tremendously. That makes it easier to deal with the changes time is throwing your way as you glide into your 70s, into your 80s, and perhaps beyond.

If you or an aging loved one are considering a move to an Assisted Living Chickasaw, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017.

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About Cindy Johnson

Ashbury Manor’s Administrator since 2008, Cindy Johnson is a long-time expert in the assisted living field. Prior to her arrival at Ashbury Manor, Cindy managed acquisitions and crisis management for existing and new larger senior care project developments for eleven years. As regional manager for an Oregon-based assisted living management company, Cindy was directly responsible for operations for five 50-65 bed assisted living facilities. As manager during the transition to new ownership, Cindy reorganized internal operations and conducted leadership training for Executive Directors. As a result of her management and expertise, one of the company’s facilities (in Ocala, Florida) received a deficiency-free survey, resulting in the lifting of a moratorium on operation.

A nurse for 36 years, senior care has always been Cindy’s passion. Desiring to work more closely with residents, Cindy became a Category II Administrator in 2005. As Ashbury Manor’s Administrator, Cindy understands the complexities associated with dementia and cognitive impairment and she has fallen in love with seniors with dementia or cognitive impairment and their families.

Cindy is Treasurer of the local “Senior Coalition” chapter. She enjoys mentoring new candidates who want to become administrators.

As a 16-bed facility, with Cindy's training and experience, our residents and their families can be sure Ashbury Manor’s carefully selected staff provides the expertise of a larger facility while maintaining the individualized personal care of a small special needs home.
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