How Social Interaction Supports Senior Wellness in Naples
Social interaction can improve your overall health and longevity. You can find opportunities to socialize through your Naples, FL senior living community.
According to the Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation, 34% of adults aged 50 to 80 feel isolated from others. Measures of loneliness are high among seniors with poor physical and mental health. Chronic loneliness can impact your mental, cognitive, and physical health, potentially reducing your lifespan.
Social interaction, on the other hand, can give you a sense of purpose and belonging. It can spark joy, enhancing your independent lifestyle in Naples, FL.
What are the benefits of socializing, and how can you connect with other seniors in Naples? Read on to find out!
What Are the Risk Factors of Social Isolation?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 25% of US adults lack social and emotional support. Another 33% feel lonely. Potential risk factors for social isolation and resulting loneliness may include:
- Facing a divorce or unemployment
- Losing a loved one
- Having a chronic condition
- Having a psychiatric or depressive condition
- Being marginalized or discriminated against
- Having limited or no access to resources (language barriers, limited transportation, etc.)
- Losing a loved one
- Having a long-term disability
If you're facing one of these risk factors, reach out to members of your Naples community. Spending time with other seniors may help you avoid health consequences.
Why Is Community Connection Important?
According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness in older people pose health risks. These may include:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Obesity
- Cognitive decline
- Alzheimer's disease
- A weakened immune system
- Early death
Seniors who engage in meaningful activities with their peers may live longer.Maintaining social connections can improve your mood and give you a sense of purpose in life. Here are a few reasons community connection is important to your overall well-being.
Emotional Health in Aging Seniors
Over 21 million US adults (8% of the population) struggle with depression. Older adults have a higher risk of developing depression due to:
- Financial issues related to retirement
- Loneliness
- Lack of physical activity
- Caregiver stress
- Reduced mobility
- Decreased functional ability
- Chronic conditions and chronic pain
These lifestyle factors may trigger symptoms of depression, such as:
- A sense of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness
- Irritability
- Persistent sadness
- Apathy
- Slower speech or movement
- Overeating or decreased appetite
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Difficult concentrating and other cognitive changes
- Loss of interest in activities
- Fatigue and low energy
- Digestive problems
- Physical pains that don't improve with treatment
Consult a mental health professional if you experience these symptoms. Otherwise, try socializing with other seniors. Socializing can reduce your risk of social isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to depression.
Socializing can promote a sense of purpose and belonging. Try contributing to your community by volunteering. You'll feel confident in your abilities, which can improve your mood and self-esteem.
Senior Mental Wellness
Loneliness and socialization can contribute to the buildup of tau and beta-amyloid proteins in the brain. Both are associated with Alzheimer's disease. Instead, try socializing to improve your mental health and slow cognitive decline.
Your senior living community may offer lifestyle programs that support better mental health. These may include:
- Discussion groups
- Support groups
- Educational classes
- Creative classes
- Brain games
You can find more opportunities to engage your mind through your senior living community's events and activities calendar. These activities may help slow cognitive decline by keeping your mind active.
Physical Health
Your friends may encourage you to participate in fun exercise classes. Regular physical activity can benefit your mind and body. It may help:
- Prevent or manage chronic conditions
- Reduce the risk of functional limitations
- Improve mobility, flexibility, and strength
- Reduce the risk of premature death
- Boost your mood
Exercising helps the body produce neurotransmitters (brain chemicals).These chemicals may ease pain symptoms and uplift your mood.
How To Increase Social Interaction
You can find opportunities for social interaction through your senior living community. Here are a few ways you can socialize in Naples.
Exercise
Aim for 150 minutes of aerobic activity each week. You can find classes through your senior living community's fitness program, such as:
- Swimming
- Water aerobics
- Weight lifting
- Yoga
- Tai chi
- Pilates
- Stretching
- Walking or hiking groups
Ask friends to hold you accountable to attend regularly. Their presence may make exercising more fun.
Explore Group Activities in Senior Living
Find fun, engaging group activities through your senior living community's events and activities calendar. These may include:
- Pet therapy
- Art classes or art therapy
- Gardening
- Music lessons
- Dance classes
- Walking or hiking groups
- Book clubs
- Cooking lessons
Join a Support Group
Remember, losing a loved one can lead to social isolation and loneliness. Consider joining a support group through your senior living community.
You can lean on seniors who understand what you're going through. They may offer coping mechanisms to help you navigate this difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Seniors Isolate Themselves?
Seniors may isolate themselves due to a lack of quality social ties. For example, perhaps they recently lost a spouse. They may isolate themselves out of grief.
Let someone know if you begin:
- Neglecting your personal health and hygiene
- Withdrawing from social activities
- Avoiding loved ones
- Experience sadness for over two weeks
- Experience memory loss or confusion
These are signs that social isolation is affecting your health and well-being. Before that happens, reach out to members of your community for help.
How Often Should Seniors Socialize?
Seniors should try to socialize nearly every day. Regular social interaction can benefit your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
If you're struggling to connect with seniors in Naples, try:
- Calling or video chatting with friends and family members
- Scheduling meals with friends
- Volunteering
- Joining an exercise class
- Joining a support group
You can develop a personalized routine through your senior living community. Add at least one opportunity to socialize a day.
Benefit From Community Connection in Naples
Social interaction can improve your overall well-being and quality of life. You can find opportunities to connect with seniors in Naples, FL, through your senior living community.
Meet new friends through Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh. Enjoy our Active Independent Living or nationally-recognized SHINE® Memory Care program.
Our exclusive lifestyle programs (including Sensations Dining, Celebrations Activities & Events, and Dimensions Health & Fitness) can enhance your post-retirement lifestyle. Contact us to schedule a tour.