There are plenty of healthcare tips for seniors that involve the typical steps: eating right, staying active, and making time for leisure. Unfortunately, many seniors have to carry the burden of these tasks on their own.
There is an epidemic of isolation among seniors, originating from a lack of community. In this blog, we’ll discuss how this trend of isolation may be negatively impacting you and how you can take active steps to improve your environment and connect with your community.
How Seniors Are Impacted By Isolation
There’s a growing trend of loneliness among seniors. This isn’t merely an inconvenience or simply unfortunate—it can have serious health impacts. For instance, more than one-third of older adults are considered socially isolated. This comes with a plethora of related health risks, including but not limited to:
- Up to a 50% increased risk of dementia.
- Higher rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicide.
- A significant increase in a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
The Cognitive Benefits of Community
As disheartening as the impacts of isolation can be, there is another side to the story. While seniors in lonely environments suffer greatly, those in community-oriented environments flourish in unprecedented ways.
A recent UK study found that seniors who merely took up a community-based leisurely hobby experienced significant improvements in their cognitive ability and overall well-being. This feeling of community, being a part of something larger, and being surrounded by like-minded individuals have impacts far beyond simple enjoyment.
Community Encourages Healthy Lifestyles
Aside from the long-term impacts that community provides, there are also important differences in a senior’s day-to-day life with a proper support system. Something as simple as having a walking buddy, for instance, can result in healthier lifestyle choices in seniors.
Seniors who have a strong social network can get together to enjoy healthy meals, participate in sports or other physical activities, and discourage one another from habits like excessive smoking.
Finding A Retirement Community With Likeminded Seniors
To find a community that aligns with your lifestyle and interests, start by reflecting on the activities, hobbies, and social settings you enjoy. Whether you’re passionate about arts and crafts, enjoy staying physically active, or appreciate cultural events, look for communities that offer these opportunities.
If you believe your issue is that you don’t desire any of these activities, think deeper about why that might be. Perhaps your current living environment does not provide you with opportunities to allow yourself to try new things. Or, even further, you feel these aren’t things you can do alone. Finding connection is what can unlock the motivation to rediscover your passions.
How Can I Stay Connected As A Senior?
There are plenty of steps that you can take today to start building a more connected life as a senior. Many are simple things you might not consider as they’re easily overlooked. But here are some ideas to get you started:
- Reach out to friends or family who you haven’t seen in a while.
- Use technology to rediscover long-lost friendships and connect with new, like-minded people.
- Volunteer at an organization that shares your passions.
- Try participating in a wellness class designed to foster a sense of community.
- Create a social isolation care plan that includes regular check-ins with friends or family, participation in community events, and strategies to stay engaged during challenging times.
Learn More About Finding The Right Community For You
While we hope that this information helps you begin rebuilding your community and breaking free from isolation, we also know that this isn’t an easy feat to accomplish alone. After all, we already discussed how debilitating isolation can truly be.
If you’re in search of a community, one that specifically works to aid seniors in their isolation and improve their quality of life, don’t hesitate to contact us at Charter House. We’re here to help you navigate the sometimes rocky terrain of senior living, and help you get on the path to a happier, healthier life.