Social Wellness and Its Benefits to Seniors

Learn more about social wellness and its benefits for seniors in the Opelika, AL area.

A Big Piece of the Puzzle

 Regarding feeling our happiest and healthiest, two of the most significant factors are physical and mental well-being. No question that is staying fit, following a nutritious diet, and keeping the brain sharp, are pivotal in shaping how we live our lives. But what about social wellness? Often described as one’s ability to communicate and maintain meaningful relationships with others, social health is just as vital as physical and mental wellness and requires the same level of maintenance. As we age, we must foster positive social engagement to safeguard against isolation and improve our physical health.

Why Is It Important?

Let’s face it, almost every aspect of life changes as we reach our senior years. Children may move out of state, friends and family may pass away, and certain health conditions may make it harder to enjoy the things we love doing entirely. And as these changes occur, we must talk about them. Without a support system of friends and family in place, many of life’s events can slowly take their toll on us and potentially lead to a downward spiral of loneliness, isolation, and even major depression. But by nurturing current relationships and taking steps to build new ones, seniors can create a reliable network that allows them to learn new skills, view things from different perspectives, and see how others effectively manage the challenges of aging.

Though it may go without saying, maintaining social wellness also brings many other health benefits. Not only can it help strengthen our immune system, but it can lead to better sleep and increased productivity. Studies also show that increased socialization can enhance our cognitive abilities and even reduce our Alzheimer’s and dementia risk. One study showed that socially active seniors had a 70% lower mental decline rate than those less socialized.

What Can Seniors Do?

 One of the barriers some seniors may face is that they may need to learn what opportunities are available. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the ways seniors can begin to build and maintain their social connections:

• Volunteer or become involved in community efforts and activities.
• Join a senior center, and make connections with like-minded individuals.
• Continue learning through online courses or those offered by universities and community colleges.
• Find a new hobby or interest, or revisit old ones.
• Invite a friend or friend over for coffee or tea.
• Take a part-time job.
• Offer assistance to someone in the family.
• Join an exercise group or class. 
• Reach out to those at a church, synagogue, temple, or other places of worship to sign up for upcoming events.
• Utilize social media to stay connected with friends and families (near and far).

Comfort Keepers® Can Help

 At Comfort Keepers in Opelika, we understand the importance of maintaining social wellness and the value it can bring to seniors’ lives. Our trusted caregivers not only provide meaningful companionship but can also help get seniors to and from places they need to go around the Opelika area. Whether it’s a trip to the senior center to visit friends or the local college for a weekly class, we’ll help. We also offer technology solutions to enhance socialization and connect seniors with their loved ones.