We already know that staying physically active through your later years offers a number of health benefits, like reduced chronic pain, delay and even prevention of certain diseases, and faster recovery from illness or injury. While exercise is extremely important for sustained quality of life, the personal connections and relationships that seniors create and maintain can also have a major impact on overall wellness.
Just as children enjoy benefits from socializing, adults realize the benefits of social activity help to counterbalance the stress of work and lead to happy, fulfilling lives. The same principle applies to seniors. Studies show that seniors who stay socially active and engaged enjoy a variety of benefits, including:
Better cognitive function. Social activities keep us sharp and mentally engaged, and this is important to prevent the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Maintaining good emotional health. Connecting with others helps keep you in a positive mood, which in turn wards off depression.
Improving physical health. Socially active seniors tend to be more physically active, too. Plus, you tend to eat more and make better food choices when you eat with others.
Boosted immune system. Studies show that seniors who stay engaged with others, and life around them, have higher levels of immune-system functioning.
Enjoying restful sleep. If you have difficulty sleeping at night, it could be due to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Research shows that people who have more fulfilling relationships in their lives tend to sleep better than those who don’t.
Increased longevity. Live a longer, happier life by keeping your social circle strong. Friends and loved ones help you deal with life’s daily stresses and are often key to encouraging you to live a healthier lifestyle, too.
In addition to these health benefits, staying connected with others helps provide a sense of purpose and a true sense of belonging. Many senior living facilities, including Crimson Village, make a point to create numerous opportunities for social interaction specifically designed to take advantage of their health benefits. In this type of environment, most seniors find that they can re-energize their social lives by offering a number of opportunities for interaction.
Take advantage of recreational outings, like the residents’ fishing trips, boating excursions, and other weekly outings. Meeting up with others on a regular basis is a great way to meet new people and enjoy experiences with those who share your interests.
Enjoy lifelong learning opportunities. Many community volunteers join Crimson Village residents for shared learning activities including quilting and sing-a-longs, as well as other events designed to help seniors share knowledge or to learn new things.
Celebrate with family. Frequent themed and holiday parties are a great excuse to invite the grandkids and other family to visit. They’re also great ways to maintain familial relationships and stay involved in the lives of those who mean the most to you.
Because social interaction is such a critical part of maintaining both physical and mental health for seniors, it’s important to select a senior living facility that provides the level of social interaction that is both supportive and comfortable for the residents. You can learn more about the social environment at Crimson Village – as well as the many other amenities, floor plans, and medical support – by exploring our site. Contact our helpful team members today by email at marketing@crimsonvillage.com or by phone at 205-632-6699 to discuss your specific needs. Click here for a virtual tour today!