Loneliness affects people at any age, though it’s incredibly prevalent amongst older adults. A study done by Pew Research Center showed that Older people are more likely to live alone in the U.S. than elsewhere in the world. They found that 27% of adults in the U.S. ages 60 and older live alone, compared with 16% of adults in the 130 countries and territories studied. This is concerning as social isolation can have detrimental effects. Studies have shown a correlation between loneliness and depression. Moreover one’s physical health may be affected, as loneliness increases risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and even death. Hence, it’s important for older adults to have a good support system around them on a day-to-day basis, to combat the negative effects of loneliness. Here is how senior living communities in Gautier, MS help seniors fight loneliness.
Engaging in Activities with Others
Some seniors, when left to live alone, can go days without speaking to anyone. Retirement communities help prevent this as residents are able to meet like-minded individuals close to their age, whom they can then foster close friendships with.
What better way to get to know others than over communal meals and group activities? Many retirement communities roll out various programs and classes designed to not only feed the mind and soul of individuals, but also foster closer bonds between attendees. This can include yoga classes, board games, or even group excursions to surrounding attractions.
Courtesy of our Celebrations Activities & Events program, the ease of interacting with your neighbors will be better than ever. You or your loved one can take part in various group activities and celebrate occasions with friends around, increasing their happiness and overall well-being.
Visits from Loved Ones are Encouraged
Retirement communities often allow and encourage visitations from loved ones from time to time. This will give children a chance to catch up with their parents.
Some communities even invite friends and family to come and take part in bonding activities with residents, which helps residents to feel loved and cared for.
Attentive Team Members on Hand
Many retirement communities ensure that residents have access to team members should they require personal assistance with certain tasks such as medication management or personal grooming, anytime throughout the day. Moreover, the team members at such communities are professionally trained to be consistently attentive to you or your loved one’s needs. This ensures that one feels heard and understood, curbing feelings of loneliness.
Pet-Friendly Community
In communities like ours, the pet-friendly policy is another way in which older adults can benefit from in reducing their feelings of loneliness. Not only do pets give us a sense of purpose as we take care of them, but the companionship provided can also be incredibly beneficial for one’s mental health.
Apart from easing feelings of loneliness, owning a pet can also be particularly helpful for dementia patients. Dog-assisted therapy has been shown to improve psychosocial functioning, mood, and quality of life in patients with dementia.
Choosing a vibrant retirement community is the ultimate way to guarantee that you or your loved one engages beneficial daily interaction with other community folks. Through these interactions, feelings of social isolation will be kept at bay. So why wait? Consider an assisted living community today, and receive your free assisted living guide here!
