social wellness - 3 happy ladies having coffee

Living through more than a year of a global pandemic taught us never to take for granted the small but exceptionally significant things in life: shared laughter, hugging our friends and family, a dinner date in our favorite café. We discovered firsthand exactly how much socialization is to be valued, and how empty and lost we can feel when it is eliminated.

July is Social Wellness Month, and now that vaccinations are reducing our need to isolate ourselves, it’s the perfect chance to make sure older adults have abundant opportunities for socialization.

Why Is Social Wellness Important for Seniors?

Studies have shown that people who stay social:

  • Live longer
  • Respond far better to stress
  • Have healthier cardiovascular and endocrine systems
  • Have a more robust immunity
  • And more

Conversely, people who live a more isolated and secluded lifestyle are at higher risk for serious health issues – comparable to the consequences linked to obesity, tobacco use, and high blood pressure.

How to Improve Social Wellness in Seniors

If a senior you love has become used to isolated living and is not exactly sure how to improve socialization, these tips can help:

  • Think of current interests, or those the senior may wish to learn more about. Maybe there’s always been a dream to learn to play the piano, speak German, or plant a flower garden. Whatever the interest, investigate local opportunities for a class or group for the older adult to join to learn a new skill or share an existing one with other people.
  • Gain the dual benefit of physical fitness through joining a gym or exercise group. There are a number of exercise classes specifically designed for older adults, allowing for a low-impact workout combined with the opportunity to form friendships. Just check with a doctor for approval first.
  • Find a cause or organization that your loved one is particularly passionate about, and check to find out what their volunteer needs are. Seniors can find purpose and meaning along with socialization opportunities while assisting those in need.

How Heart at Home In-Home Care Is Available to Help

An in-home caregiving companion, like those employed by Hearts at Home In-Home Care, is a quick and easy solution to improve senior socialization. Our caregivers are fully trained, experienced, background-checked, and available for as much or as little time as an older adult would like for fun activities, conversations, outings, and more. We can provide transportation and accompaniment to social activities for seniors, or just visit with the senior in the home on a regular basis.

For more information about how our home care assistance in Overland Park, KS, can help a loved one in your life stay social, healthy and well, reach out to us today. We offer a complimentary in-home consultation at your convenience, and can be reached at 913-440-4209. For a full list of all of the communities where we provide care, please visit our Service Area page.