Benefits of Social Activities for Seniors

As we age, it is important to stay socially active and to continue building relationships. Not only are our relationships with others a huge facet of our lives, but it has a significant impact on our overall well-being. You may not know it, but your social life can positively affect the factors of your mental, physical, and emotional health. That makes it vital for people of all ages, but especially seniors, to maintain a certain level of social activity. Consider these four major benefits of social interaction:

1. Reduces the risk of depression and other mental health issues. One of the major health benefits of staying socially active is reducing your risk for various mental health issues. Risk of developing issues, like depression and Alzheimer’s, will not disappear, but by keeping your brain engaged you will reduce your risk of these conditions. If you do have a history of depression, continue to see your doctor and continue your prescribed care.
2. Increases life-expectancy. Researchers from the Assisted Living Federation of America have found that seniors who were more socially active were more likely to live past the age of 90 – an increase of five years compared to their less social counterparts.
3. Decreases the feeling of loneliness. Naturally, when you’re more socially active, and truly invested in authentic relationships, you’re going to be less lonely. While we’ve laid out the benefits of being socially active, we can only assume the downside of loneliness. Research has shown that socially isolated seniors are more likely to develop long-term illnesses such as depression, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
4. Creates a sense of belonging. Since the sense of loneliness will decrease, your sense of belonging will be heightened. Especially if you are new to a retirement community, this sense of belonging can be so pivotal to adjusting to your new surroundings. This, in addition to the other aforementioned reasons, is why it’s important to create a support system and stay socially active.

Time to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Now, as we get older, forming new relationships can be a little more difficult. In cases like this, social activities for seniors can be a great way to make new friends. Check with your local senior center or community recreation center for an activity calendar. Then pick out a couple of events that you would like to go to, or attend a fitness class, and try striking a conversation with others.

Other great ways to continue building relationships include:

1. Pursue a hobby: Do you enjoy art or cooking, or are looking to try something new? Art classes and cooking classes are great places to meet new people a expand your social circle.
2. Have faith: Not everyone claims a religious affiliation, but for those who do, attending a service is a great place to make connections. These organizations often have groups to join and activities to take part in as well.
3. Volunteer: Sharing your time with a deserving cause is a great way to give back to your community, but also to build new relationships. Not sure what cause to give back to? Check out AARP’s Create The Good.

Enjoy a Social Life at Monroe Village

We at Monroe Village believe that your overall health and wellness, including social health is important. In fact, our community prioritizes your health by hosting daily fitness classes from our award-winning LivWell program, creating a calendar of daily enriching activities, and by encouraging our residents to go off campus and explore the surrounding community.

To learn more about our continuing care retirement community, we invite you to contact us for more information and come take a tour in Monroe Township, New Jersey.