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!
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:
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.
According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness in older people pose health risks. These may include:
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.
Over 21 million US adults (8% of the population) struggle with depression. Older adults have a higher risk of developing depression due to:
These lifestyle factors may trigger symptoms of depression, such as:
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.
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:
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.
Your friends may encourage you to participate in fun exercise classes. Regular physical activity can benefit your mind and body. It may help:
Exercising helps the body produce neurotransmitters (brain chemicals).These chemicals may ease pain symptoms and uplift your mood.
You can find opportunities for social interaction through your senior living community. Here are a few ways you can socialize in Naples.
Aim for 150 minutes of aerobic activity each week. You can find classes through your senior living community's fitness program, such as:
Ask friends to hold you accountable to attend regularly. Their presence may make exercising more fun.
Find fun, engaging group activities through your senior living community's events and activities calendar. These may include:
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.
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:
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.
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:
You can develop a personalized routine through your senior living community. Add at least one opportunity to socialize a day.
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.