{"id":5577,"date":"2024-02-14T16:54:24","date_gmt":"2024-02-14T16:54:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/edmonton\/?p=5577"},"modified":"2025-08-15T17:56:17","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T17:56:17","slug":"social-wellness-benefits-to-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/edmonton\/blog\/social-wellness-benefits-to-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"Social Wellness and Its Benefits to Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Social Wellness is a big piece of the puzzle for Alberta’s Seniors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Social wellness and its benefits to seniors | When it comes to feeling our happiest and healthiest, two of the most significant factors are undoubtedly physical and mental well-being. No question that staying fit, following a healthy and balanced diet, and keeping the brain sharp are pivotal in shaping one’s everyday well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what about social wellness?<\/strong> Often described as one\u2019s ability to communicate and maintain meaningful relationships with others, social wellness is just as vital as physical and mental wellness and requires the same level of maintenance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we age, we must foster positive social engagement to safeguard against isolation and improve aspects of our physical health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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According to Statistics Canada, over 24.6% of the Canadian population, 65 and over live alone.<\/strong> <\/p>\nCanada’s Guide to Retirement Living and Care<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Why Is Social Wellness for Seniors Important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s face it, almost every aspect of life changes as we reach our senior years. Children may move away, friends and family may pass, and certain health conditions complicate a full and socially active lifestyle. As these changes occur, we must talk about them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without a support system of friends and family in place, many of life\u2019s events can slowly begin to take their toll on us and potentially lead to a downward spiral of loneliness, isolation, and even major depression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But by nurturing current relationships and taking steps to build new ones, seniors can create a reliable network that allows them to learn new skills, view things from different perspectives, and see how others effectively manage the challenges of aging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Did You Know<\/strong>: Socially active seniors had a 70% lower rate of cognitive decline than those who were less socialized.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Though it may go without saying, maintaining social wellness supports several other health benefits. Not only can it help strengthen our immune system, but it can lead to better sleep and increased productivity. Studies also show that increased socialization can enhance our cognitive abilities and even reduce our risk of Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia.<\/strong> One study showed seniors with an active social life had a 70% lower chance of cognitive decline than those seniors who do not socialize regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can Seniors Do to Improve Their Social Wellness?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One barrier seniors may face is not knowing what opportunities are available. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve put together a list of some of the ways seniors can begin to build and maintain their social connections:<\/p>\n\n\n\n