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Aging With Grace: How a Strong Social Life Protects Health and Wellness of Seniors
Francis LeGasse Jr • December 27, 2022
Humans are hard-wired to be social, to enjoy the company of others, and to connect in meaningful ways. That doesn’t stop as we age, nor does it cease to be true for a person with Alzheimer’s, another form of dementia, or traumatic brain injury. In fact, being social is not only essential for the health and wellness of seniors, it’s one of the most important elements of healthy aging.
Health & Wellness of Seniors: The Positive Effects of Socializing
It’s good to have friends, to share the art of conversation, to have contact with other people throughout the day. For those undergoing cognitive changes, these type of interactions can become more difficult over time. Yet, they remain vital for mental and physical wellbeing. Here are just a few reasons why, provided by Dementia Care Central:
- Spending time with others is very important for a person with Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia. Socializing is a way to exercise the brain, and can slow symptoms including fading memory.
- Staying connected with family and friends can boost the mood of a person dealing with memory issues, which can result in better eating habits, improved sleep, and higher physical activity.
- Socializing helps a person with dementia keep the skill of being able to transition from inside their mind (daydreaming, for example) to outside their mind (speaking with a family member).
- Connecting with others also helps keep a person in the present, providing a sense of reality.
- Having human contact just feels good! In fact, one study reports that all it takes to help reduce agitation and improve quality of life for a person with dementia is just one hour of social contact a week.
Conversely, not having regular contact with others can adversely affect the health and wellness of seniors. The National Institute on Aging says research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and more.
How seniors with cognitive issues can stay connected—right where they live.
The environment plays a huge role when it comes to socializing, especially for older adults and even more specifically, for those with memory issues. It can be difficult for someone who either lives on their own or with a family member and is very limited in the number of people with which they can interact. That’s why as cognition declines, families often seek a memory care setting that will offer the support and engagement their loved one needs.
And when seeking that lifestyle option, many families find that residential senior living, also sometimes called a shared home, can be the optimal choice. Here are just a few benefits this model offers for the health and wellness of seniors:
- Constant contact with others. In a shared home setting, the number of residents is usually kept under 10, which creates more of a homelike, family environment. Residents are able to easily engage with one another and caregivers through group activities, events, outings, and other familiar experiences.
- Familiar faces each day. In a larger senior living environment, the care staff can have several residents to monitor and turnover rates can be high. In residential senior living, residents receive more personalized attention from a dedicated team member who becomes a friend, making it easy for family to stay informed about their loved one’s progress.
- More relaxed and pleasant dining experiences. It’s much easier for a resident to feel a part of mealtimes in a smaller environment, where they can gather around a home-style kitchen and perform familiar tasks like helping set a table or assisting with meal preparation. These experiences provide familiar and welcome moments that give residents a sense of purpose
- Feeling a part of a community. Residential senior living offers the benefit of a real neighborhood setting, where memory care residents can enjoy a sense of community and belonging. Sitting on the front porch, walking a dog around the block, or enjoying holiday décor on surrounding homes adds to a feeling of security and self-worth.
Socialization: So Important for the Health and Wellness of Seniors.
At Assured Senior Living, we have a staff-to-resident ratio of 1 to 4, making it easy for your loved one to forge deep, lasting bonds with our dedicated, caring team members, who spend time creating meaningful connections. Our residents enjoy fun activities, familiar home routines, and an excellent quality of life. We would love to tell you more.
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Ageism, the systematic stereotyping and discrimination against individuals based on age, profoundly affects the well-being of older adults. It manifests in various forms, from subtle biases in everyday interactions to institutional policies that marginalize seniors. Such discrimination can lead to diminished self-esteem, social isolation, and reduced access to essential services. Addressing ageism ensures seniors live with dignity, respect, and full social participation. Advocating for seniors involves recognizing and challenging the societal norms and structures perpetuating age-based discrimination. It requires a concerted effort from individuals, communities, and institutions to promote inclusivity and equity. Understanding the roots and ramifications of ageism enables the development of effective strategies to combat it. Recognizing Ageism in Society Ageism often goes unnoticed, as it is embedded in cultural narratives and societal structures. Media representations frequently portray older adults as frail or out of touch, reinforcing negative stereotypes. Such depictions can influence public perception and policy decisions, leading to the marginalization of seniors. A report by the World Health Organization found that ageism is prevalent globally, affecting individuals' health and well-being. Workplace discrimination is another area where ageism is evident. Older employees may face challenges in hiring, promotions, and training opportunities due to assumptions about their capabilities and age-related biases. Negative workplace perceptions can reduce seniors’ economic stability and harm their sense of purpose. Addressing workplace ageism requires policy reforms and awareness campaigns to promote age diversity and inclusion.
For many home buyers approaching retirement, the ideal home isn’t about square footage or curb appeal—it’s about comfort, safety, and the ability to live independently for years to come. The goal is simple: find a house that grows with you. The Gist When searching for a home to age in place, focus on features that support safety, convenience, and adaptability—such as step-free entries, wider doorways, single-level layouts, and smart home technology. Accessibility, lighting, and energy efficiency should be considered essential, not optional. Home Features That Make Aging in Place Easier Below is a practical guide to help you identify homes designed for long-term comfort and independence. Accessibility Essentials ● Zero-step entryway ● Wide interior doors (at least 32 inches) ● Lever-style door handles and faucets ● Non-slip flooring, especially in kitchens and bathrooms Comfort Upgrades ● First-floor bedroom and full bathroom ● Walk-in shower with built-in bench ● Adjustable-height countertops ● Bright, glare-free lighting throughout Safety Features ● Grab bars near toilets and tubs ● No-threshold showers ● Smart home monitoring or emergency call systems ● Ample exterior lighting for nighttime safety For inspiration, explore resources like the AARP HomeFit Guide or design ideas from Houzz . Key Rooms and What to Check
I was faced with the daunting and emotional job of finding the perfect living arrangement for our loved one, the decision weighed heavily on me. The thought of moving them from a life filled with the familiarity of their own home, neighborhood laughs, and backyard barbecues to a place that felt more like a sterile hotel than a home was unnerving. Through my journey, I discovered the unparalleled value of residential care homes over large, assisted living "warehouses." Ultimately, these are the top five reasons that guided my decision, echoing the sentiments of countless families in similar situations. 1. Seeking Warmth, Not Cold Efficiency In our family home, every corner tells a story, and every piece of furniture has witnessed laughter, tears, and countless memories. My struggle of replacing that love with the cold, sterile, and impersonal efficiency of a large assisted living facility felt off. Residential care homes, with their homely ambiance, personalized rooms and care, and shared areas, felt more like a continuation of home. It wasn’t about finding a place to stay; it was about finding a new home for our loved one. 2. From a Familiar Neighborhood to a Welcoming Community Our loved one had always been an integral part of our neighborhood, knowing everyone's names, their stories, and what made them smile. Moving to a large facility felt like I was ripping them of their sense of community. Instead, we sought a residential care facility that mirrored the close-knit community they had always loved. Here, relationships flourished not just among residents but also with caregivers, ensuring they would never be just another face in the crowd. 3. Customized Care Over Generic Services The thought of our loved one becoming just another task on a caregiver’s checklist was disheartening. In large facilities, the personalized care we hoped for seemed diluted by the sheer volume of residents. We turned to residential care for its promise of tailored, personalized care, where every aspect of our loved one’s needs, likes, fears, joys, and habits is met with the same attention and love they received at home. It was about ensuring their days were filled with care that recognized them as individuals, not numbers.
Social isolation among seniors is a growing concern, particularly as the digital age reshapes how people connect and communicate. The World Health Organization has identified loneliness as a significant health risk, comparable to smoking and obesity. For older adults, particularly those residing in assisted living communities, maintaining social connections is essential for emotional well-being and cognitive health. Technology integration offers innovative solutions to bridge the gap and foster meaningful interactions. Assisted living facilities increasingly adopt digital tools to help residents stay connected with family, friends, and the broader community. Technologies now range from video calling platforms to interactive social media applications tailored for seniors. Embracing these tools enables seniors to reduce loneliness while remaining engaged in their social circles. Social Media Platforms: Bridging the Distance of Social Isolation Video conferencing tools like Zoom and Skype have become essential in maintaining face-to-face interactions for seniors. These platforms enable residents to participate in family gatherings, attend virtual events, and even join online classes, thereby helping to reduce social isolation. Regular virtual interactions can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and keep seniors mentally stimulated. A study published in BMC Geriatrics found that video calls can decrease loneliness among older adults.
Senior healthcare is undergoing a transformative shift with the advent of geriatric telehealth. Innovative approaches now leverage technology to provide medical services remotely, ensuring seniors receive timely and efficient care. As the aging population grows, the demand for accessible healthcare solutions becomes increasingly critical. Geriatric telehealth serves as a pivotal solution, bridging the gap between seniors and healthcare providers. Assisted living facilities are leading the integration of telehealth services to enhance the well-being of their residents. Adopting telehealth enables facilities to offer continuous monitoring, prompt medical consultations, and personalized care plans tailored to individual needs. Integration improves health outcomes and empowers seniors to maintain their independence. The rise of geriatric telehealth reflects a commitment to adapting healthcare delivery for the evolving needs of older people. Geriatric Telehealth Reduces Hospitalizations Through Early Intervention Geriatric telehealth helps identify health issues before they escalate into emergencies that require hospitalization. Virtual monitoring tools track vital signs and symptom progression in real-time, enabling proactive care decisions. Early intervention reduces the likelihood of complications associated with chronic illness. Seniors benefit from quicker response times and fewer disruptive medical events. Remote access to primary care providers ensures consistent health assessments. Regular check-ins allow caregivers to update care plans as needed. Preventive engagement promotes long-term health stability for residents.
Seniors with cognitive challenges, such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease, often experience heightened sensitivity to their surroundings. Environmental factors can significantly impact their comfort, mood, and overall well-being. Creating a sensory-friendly environment is essential in promoting inclusivity and enhancing the quality of life for these individuals. Assisted living communities are crucial in designing spaces catering to their residents' unique sensory needs. Implementing thoughtful design and care strategies can help mitigate potential stressors for seniors with cognitive impairments. By understanding and addressing sensory sensitivities, caregivers can create supportive environments that foster engagement and reduce anxiety. Understanding Sensory Sensitivities in Cognitive Challenges Individuals with cognitive challenges often exhibit altered sensory processing, making them more susceptible to environmental stimuli. Bright lights, loud noises, and strong odors can become overwhelming, leading to agitation or withdrawal. Recognizing these sensitivities is the first step toward creating accommodating environments. Sensory overload can exacerbate symptoms of cognitive decline, affecting memory, attention, and emotional regulation. For instance, a noisy dining area may confuse and reduce residents’ appetites. Understanding individual sensory preferences allows caregivers to tailor environments that promote comfort and engagement. Personalized care plans are essential, as sensory sensitivities vary among individuals.
Elder abuse is a growing concern that affects millions of seniors worldwide. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and neglect. Recognizing the signs and taking proactive measures is essential to ensuring the safety and dignity of older adults. Assisted living communities play a key role in prevention by providing structured support and vigilance. Creating awareness and implementing protective strategies can help reduce the risk of elder abuse. Families and caregivers must stay informed about potential warning signs and know how to intervene. Studies show that one in ten seniors experiences abuse, yet many cases go unreported. By understanding the issue, communities can create safer environments for their elderly loved ones. Recognizing the Signs of Elder Abuse Identifying elder abuse requires careful attention to physical, emotional, and behavioral changes. Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns may indicate physical abuse. Emotional abuse can be harder to detect, but symptoms include withdrawal, fear, and sudden mood swings. Neglect may be evident through poor hygiene, malnutrition, or untreated medical conditions. Financial exploitation is another common form of elder abuse. Unusual banking transactions, missing valuables, or sudden changes in financial documents may signal exploitation. Caregivers and family members should regularly monitor financial statements to detect any irregularities. Protecting seniors from fraud requires education and proactive oversight.
Music has long been intertwined with human culture, serving as a source of comfort, joy, and expression. Music therapy offers more than mere entertainment for seniors, especially those residing in assisted living communities; it is pivotal in enhancing mental and emotional well-being. One significant benefit is its potential to alleviate anxiety for seniors, a common concern in this demographic. Understanding the multifaceted advantages of music is essential for caregivers and family members. The Science Behind Music Therapy Music therapy is a clinical intervention that utilizes music to address various health goals. For seniors, this therapy can significantly reduce anxiety levels. Engaging with music stimulates multiple brain regions, enhancing mood and cognitive functions. The rhythmic elements of music can synchronize with bodily functions, promoting relaxation. Studies have shown that music therapy can elevate dopamine levels, improving mood and motivation. For instance, after her stroke, Joni Mitchell used music therapy to aid her recovery . This neurochemical response is particularly beneficial for seniors experiencing anxiety, as it fosters a sense of well-being.
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