Socialisation is an interactive process that involves social structure and social relations between people. Socialisation is imperative at every stage of life and for senior citizens, it can be one of the catalysts towards a wholesome life while ageing.
Isolation at a later stage in life may affect elder adults’ physical, mental and cognitive abilities which may lead to a decline in health and eventually depression.
A number of studies show that a fulfilling social life helps senior citizens prolong their longevity. A recent study by Harvard University found that socialising has the ability to enrich an elderly person’s life.
The benefits of seniors socialising
Socialising with an active community helps with reducing stress. Socially active people are proven to be able to handle stress better.
Going out and meeting up with friends helps in increasing cardiovascular health and releases more endorphins, triggering a positive feeling in your body. Other than stress, socialisation also reduces the level of anxiety among the elderly.
Aside from physical wellness, socialisation can also develop a senior’s cognitive health as well. Consistent and positive social interaction helps the elderly keep stimulated, intellectually engaged and mentally alert.
The possibility of being diagnosed with a neurocognitive disability such as impaired memory or dementia is surely one of the biggest nightmares for the elderly and their caregivers.
Thus it is imperative to take precautions to reduce the risk of getting these illnesses. A physically active senior on a healthy diet practising a socially interactive life can significantly lower the possibility of developing dementia and other related diseases.
Family members who act as primary caregivers to the elderly must play a role in keeping them socially active. It does not take much time or effort to entertain your elderly parents every day with small talk and board games like puzzles and Soduku.
Ageing is a natural progression of life and should not be the end of socialisation resulting in your elderly loved ones spending their retirement years withdrawn from society and in isolation.
It is in fact an opportunity to begin a new journey towards a positive, healthy and enjoyable life.
This article was written by Fariza Kasani, a Care Manager with Care Express, and reviewed by Andrew Mastrandonas, Co-founder and CEO of Care Express, a company that provides a range of elderly at-home caregiving services, sending trained and certified professional caregivers and nurses to clients’ homes. For more information go to Care Express.