Encouraging Social Wellness in Older Adults
Do you worry about an older loved one feeling isolated?
Social wellness, or the relationships we have and how we interact with others, is an important part of our lives. July is Social Wellness Month, an excellent opportunity to take stock of our valuable relationships and see how we can better foster a genuine connection with those around us. For the older adults in our lives, we can find ways to help strengthen their bonds so they can stay connected and avoid isolation.
Relationships support us when times are challenging, bring us joy, and help us grow as individuals. As we age, our social circle can change, making it more difficult to maintain our social relationships. Leaving the workplace, health challenges, moving and losing friends can change an older adult’s social circle. Losing interest in activities and having less energy can result in depression. Loneliness can lead to a range of health concerns like an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
If you have concerns about the potential social isolation of an older loved one, there are ways to help them live their best life through socialization. Here are some tips to help:
Fortify existing bonds: As life changes quickly, it can become challenging to stay in touch with friends and family. People move, priorities change and maintaining the same relationship that you shared in the past may not be possible but there are ways to stay connected. Maybe meeting in person isn’t possible for an older adult who has mobility issues. Staying in touch with family across the country isn’t easy. But thanks to technology, it is possible to connect via video chat, keeping those bonds alive. By scheduling regular contact, it can make relationships simple to maintain.
Explore hobbies: Older adults may have more free time than when they were working to explore areas of interest. Through trying a new hobby or picking up on an activity that once brought joy, it is possible to connect with fellow enthusiasts. Gardening, exercise or reading can put them in the path of people with similar interests to form new friendships.
Volunteer: Feeling needed can bring fulfillment, a sense of purpose and social connection. Whether it is crocheting hats for newborns in a hospital or volunteering at a library in their senior community, encouraging this way to connect can be so beneficial.
At CarePatrol, we understand the importance of social wellness and support this by helping families find the right senior care solutions for their loved ones. Senior solutions can give older adults the chance to make new friendships, expand their social circle and feel part of a community. How can we help your loved ones?