Maintaining Social Relationships are Important to Seniors’ Wellbeing

Just as we encourage young children to make friends and engage in social activities, we should do the same for our senior loved ones as loneliness and isolation can be harmful to their health.  Research shows older adults who report feeling “lonely” are at greater risk of getting dementia or suffering from depression.  It also indicates lonely people die sooner than those with more robust social networks. 

One particular study from the UCLA School of Medicine's geriatrics division appears to confirm the power of social connections on seniors’ health.  After evaluating people in their 70s over a seven-year period, the study’s author, Teresa Seeman, PhD, reports that “participants with satisfying social relationships remained more mentally alert over the course of the study.”  She found they had less age-related mental decline than more isolated participants. 

The National Institute on Aging cites study results that indicate social well-being may be associated with lower levels of interleukin-6 in otherwise healthy people.  They explain that “interleukin-6 is an inflammatory factor implicated in age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer.”  Another study found isolated seniors had more problems doing everyday tasks such as bathing and climbing stairs. 

The newest report from the National Poll on Healthy Aging states that one in three seniors say they are lonely.  Authors of the study state, “chronic loneliness can impact older adults’ memory, physical well-being, mental health, and life expectancy,” They even warn that chronic loneliness may be worse for a senior’s health than being overweight or leading a sedentary lifestyle.  It may also shorten life expectancy as much as smoking. 

Statistics indicate more and more seniors are living alone (28% of people aged 65 and older lived alone at the last U.S. census) and while not everyone who lives alone is lonely, many are.  So what do seniors need to do to make sure they are getting enough socialization to stave off feelings of isolation and loneliness?  While the answer is not always easy as the person needs to come to terms with what is keeping them from forming social relationships, experts say the best place to start is to engage in meaningful activities.   

Learn a new skill or get back into an old hobby.  Learning to playing an instrument, taking an art class, or finally learning how to use a computer are all good activities that typically bring you into a wider social network.  Taking an exercise class is also a good way to raise your “feel good hormones” as well as helps you get into better shape.  Make an effort to spend time with people who are upbeat and make you feel good, and remember strong social connections can help you ward off depression and stay healthier.   

MorningStar at Jordan Creek proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  Please schedule a tour to discover the finest assisted living and memory care in the West Des Moines area. 

Source:  time.com/5541166/loneliness-old-age/

webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/secrets-of-aging-well#2

nia.nih.gov/about/living-long-well-21st-century-strategic-directions-research-aging/research-suggests-positive