Social Wellness and Its Benefits to Seniors

Wellness  |  October 13, 2023

According to Statistics Canada, over 50% of women, 65 and over, live alone.

A Big Piece of the Puzzle

Social Wellness Benefits Seniors | When it comes to feeling our happiest and healthiest, two of the most significant factors are undoubtedly physical and mental well-being. There’s no question that staying fit, following a healthy diet, and keeping the brain sharp, are pivotal in shaping the way we live our lives. But what about social wellness? Often described as one’s 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. As we age, it’s especially important that we foster positive social engagement to not only safeguard against isolation but to also improve various aspects of our physical health.

Social Wellness Benefits Seniors: Why Is It Important?

Let’s face it, almost every aspect of life changes as we reach our senior years. Children may move away, friends and family may pass away, and certain health conditions may make it harder to fully enjoy the things we love doing. And as these changes occur, it’s important that we talk about them. Without a support system of friends and family in place, many of life’s events can slowly begin to take their toll on us and potentially lead to a downward spiral of loneliness, isolation, and even major depression. 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.

Though it may go without saying, maintaining social wellness brings about a number of other health benefits as well. 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’s and dementia. In fact, one study showed that socially active seniors had a 70% lower rate of cognitive decline than those who were less socialized.

What Can Seniors Do?

One of the barriers some seniors may face is that they may not know what opportunities are available to them. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the ways seniors can begin to build and maintain their social connections:

• Volunteer, or become involved in community efforts and activities.
• Join a senior center, and make connections with like-minded individuals.
• Continue learning through online courses or those offered by universities and community colleges.
• Find a new hobby or interest, or revisit old ones.
• Invite a friend or friend over for coffee or tea.
• Take a part-time job.
• Offer assistance to someone in the family.
• Join an exercise group or class.
• Reach out to those at a church, synagogue, temple, or other place of worship to sign up for upcoming events.
• Utilize social media to stay connected with friends and families (near and far).

Comfort Keepers® North Vancouver and West Vancouver Can Help!

Worried about the health and welfare of an elderly relative? Comfort Keepers® can make a difference. Our team of expert in-home caregivers will strive to ensure your senior loved one has the best quality of life possible, bringing joy and good health to their home environment. Our Interactive Caregiving™ program ensures all needs in terms of safety, nutrition, mental well-being, and everyday activities of home care services are met.

Quality Accredited Homecare: Happier, Healthier, and at Home!

Do you need Home Care in North Vancouver & West Vancouver for you or a loved one? Comfort Keepers® help seniors in North Vancouver and West Vancouver, along with the surrounding areas, to live happy, healthy lives in the comfort of their own homes by providing quality, compassionate care, and safety technology solutions to preserve independence and contribute to a better life.

Moreover, our seasoned in-home caregivers are carefully chosen based on their quality of being empathetic. Our care centers around companionship for seniors. This is the kind of care that originates from the soul and allows us to meet our client’s individual requirements. Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting the Comfort Keepers North Vancouver and West Vancouver office.

Comfort Keepers, the premium home care service for Seniors on the North Shore, was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. Achieving the highest available certification in Canada for Accredited Home care services clearly demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in North Vancouver and West Vancouver.

References:

Psychology Today. “The Health Benefits of Socializing” by Angela K. Troyer Ph.D. C. Psych. Web. 2018.

Everyday Health. “How to Stay Socially Engaged as You Age” by Krisha McCoy. Web. 2018.

How Stuff Works – Health. “Top 5 Ways for the Aging to Remain Socially Engaged” Web. 2018.

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