Engaging in social hour in Ridgeland, MS can improve your mood and quality of life. You can find independent living events through SummerHouse Beau Ridge.
According to the CDC, about one in three US adults feels lonely. Another one in four lacks emotional support and social connections. Social isolation and loneliness may increase your risk of serious health conditions.
Before that happens, participate in social hour in Ridgeland, MS. Daily community time may improve your mood and overall well-being. Read on to discover how resident engagement can enrich your retirement.
What Are the Consequences of Social Isolation?
According to the National Institute on Aging, loneliness and social isolation may increase your risk of:
- Heart disease
- Depression
- Cognitive decline
- High blood pressure
- Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease
- Anxiety
- Obesity
- A weakened immune system
- Earlier death
Adults who are socially isolated or lonely tend to be less healthy.They sometimes experience longer hospital stays and are readmitted to the hospital more often than their peers. Without supportive social connections, these seniors may die earlier than others.
People who are isolated sometimes make unhealthy lifestyle decisions, including:
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Failing to get enough exercise
- Smoking
- Sleeping poorly
These lifestyle factors may increase your risk of serious health conditions. If you’re socially isolated, reach out to your Ridgeland, MS community. Resident engagement may improve your health and longevity.
What Are the Benefits of Social Connection for Seniors?
Maintaining social connections can benefit your:
- Mental health
- Physical health
- Emotional health
Having strong friendships may boost your self-esteem, creating emotional stability. Improving your mental and physical health can extend your longevity.Here are a few other ways having a strong senior social life is beneficial.
Improved Physical Health
Life-changing benefits of exercise for seniors may include:
- Counteracting bone loss and restoring bone density
- Relieving osteoarthritis pain and stiffness
- Chronic disease prevention
- Reducing cognitive decline
- Stronger immunity
- Fewer anxiety and depression symptoms
- Relaxation and a better overall sense of well-being
You can find fun exercise classes for seniors through your community’s fitness program. Ask friends to join you. They can challenge you and hold you accountable to attend regularly.
Getting regular exercise with friends can improve your mood. It may help reduce your risk of serious health conditions, including:
- Dementia
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Certain types of cancer
Exercising with friends can make it more enjoyable. You can reap the benefits of exercising and socializing simultaneously.
A lack of social connection can result in loneliness, which is associated with premature mortality. Socializing may help extend your lifespan.
Better Mental Health
Socializing can stimulate the brain. You can learn from your friends, which may help new neural pathways form. This process, neuroplasticity, can improve your mental acuity.
Social isolation, on the other hand, can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. Neglecting your mental health may affect your physical health. For example, excessive stress can increase your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
To relieve stress, try:
- Meditating
- Joining a book club and reading
- Taking a yoga or tai chi class
- Having tea or a coffee with a friend
- Practicing mindfulness and gratitude
Look for a senior living community that offers a memory care program. You can engage in brain games and puzzles with friends to keep your mind sharp.
Emotional Stability
Having an active senior social life may improve your emotional stability.For example, socializing can improve your empathy. You can support your friends and lean on them when you feel down.
Consider joining a support group through your community if you recently lost a loved one. Joining a support group can help you avoid social isolation and loneliness after loss.
Enjoy Social Hour in Ridgeland, MS
Explore your community’s independent living events to find fun opportunities to socialize.Their events and activities calendar may feature:
- Yoga
- Tai chi
- Meditation
- Pilates
- Stretching
- Cooking classes
- Music therapy
- Weight lifting
- Resistance training
- Walking or hiking groups
- Game nights
- Trips to museums, theaters, and local attractions
- Birdwatching groups
- Swimming and water aerobics
- Arts and crafts (sculpting, knitting, quilting, etc.)
- Dance classes
- Book or film clubs
Explore a variety of activities to discover new hobbies or expand your skill set. Developing new skills can improve your brain’s neuroplasticity.You’ll also meet new friends with a range of interests.
Consider volunteering through your senior living community. You can meet new people who share your values. Volunteering can give you a sense of purpose and belonging.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should Seniors Socialize?
To reap benefits, seniors should socialize every day.You can find opportunities to socialize through:
- Potlucks
- Events at your local library
- Fitness classes and studios
- Community centers
- Organized trips
- Educational seminars at community colleges
- Your local senior living community
Check your senior living community’s events and activities calendar for new opportunities to make new friends.
Who Is At Risk of Social Isolation?
Certain experiences and health conditions that can increase your risk of social isolation include:
- Losing a loved one or facing divorce
- Unemployment
- Language barriers
- Limited transportation options
- Living in a secluded, rural area
- Being marginalized or discriminated against
- Facing a long-term disability
- Having a chronic disease or condition
- Having a psychiatric or depressive disorder
Older adults have a higher risk of social isolation. If you’re facing these risk factors, explore your senior community’s lifestyle amenities.
Spending time with other seniors can reduce your risk of social isolation and loneliness. Resident engagement may help reduce your risk of serious health conditions.
Improve Your Senior Social Life
Enjoying social hour at your senior living community can extend your longevity. It may boost your mood, help you make healthy decisions, and extend your quality of life. You can find opportunities for daily community time through SummerHouse Beau Ridge.
Our community offers a blend of superior care, programs, amenities, and personalized service. We offer exclusive senior lifestyle programs, including nutritious dishes through Sensations Dining and a robust calendar of events (including trips and live music) through Celebrations Activities & Events.
These programs can keep you engaged, entertained, and well taken care of as you age. Contact us today to schedule your tour.
