Social interactions provide seniors with many advantages. These interactions can improve mental health, encourage them to stay active, boost immune systems and even extend life spans. Therefore, it’s vitally important that seniors prioritize cultivating these connections as they age.
One of the primary causes of loneliness and isolation among senior citizens is due to their tendency to lose social networks over time due to various circumstances – family moving further away, health issues such as hearing and vision loss and grieving loved ones passing away – but there are ways they can combat this and maintain healthy, happy lifestyles by keeping their social connections alive.
Attending group fitness classes or joining a walking club offers great opportunities to build connections while remaining physically active, helping to reduce the risk of conditions like obesity and cardiovascular disease while simultaneously stimulating cognitive processes that delay dementia onset.
Engaging in social activities can lower blood pressure and strengthen immunity systems, as well as foster positive outlook on life and make it easier for seniors to follow medical treatments.
Recent research published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity sought to understand how changes in social ties were associated with end-of-life outcomes among older adults. To do this, longitudinal data from SHARE were utilized in an in-depth examination of participants who had passed on at study’s start whose proxies could provide extensive details about their final journeys. It marked the first realist review to look specifically at end-of-life experiences focusing on social ties rather than symptoms or healthcare utilization alone.
Results revealed that, although overall satisfaction with their social ties was consistent across time, there were noticeable changes to their structure; such as having fewer close friends and more acquaintances. There was also an increase in emotional closeness within relationships; researchers attribute this phenomenon to deliberate selection of partners who can create emotionally satisfying bonds for older adults.
This was an insightful study that covered many facets of how social connections impact senior’s lives. It’s important to remember that keeping strong bonds with our loved ones, regardless of our age or living situation, can only benefit us in the long run. No matter if it be in senior living communities or independently living arrangements – making time for friends and family should never become an afterthought! Just like exercise and nutrition play an integral role in living an enjoyable and full life; making memories with our loved ones through laughter, conversation, shared interests can all contribute towards building long-lasting bonds which last a lifetime! If not with our loved ones then who is?
