Seniors Can Improve Their Health With Increased Socialization


A UCSF Division of Geriatrics study found 43 percent of seniors report regularly experiencing loneliness. Mayo clinic psychologist, Dr. Craig Sawchuk, Ph.D., explains why this can be a problem. He says as “social animals by nature; we tend to function better when we’re in a community setting and being around others.”

Several studies report a link between social isolation and an increased risk of disease, including one from the Academy of Science, which found loneliness can lead to higher rates of poor physical and mental health. Health concerns for isolated adults include hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiac failure, depression, anxiety and Alzheimer’s disease.

It becomes harder for seniors who live alone to socialize as they get into their upper 70s or 80s as many stop driving and/or suffer from chronic health problems affecting their mobility. Other contributing issues to loneliness in the elderly may include the death of a spouse or close family members and friends.

To emphasize how important socialization is for older adults, the American Public Health Association explains the most effective way for seniors to improve their health is to increase socialization. They report “socialization improves mood, cognition, memory recall, and is associated with healthy behaviors, including exercise.”

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, our goal is to promote physical, intellectual, spiritual and social connectivity. We provide everything seniors need for quality of life and to age in place safely and comfortably. Along with luxury amenities, and care and hospitality services; our signature wellness programs and activities are designed to engage and encourage residents to live fully productive lives.

In addition to memory care and assisted living, Colorado Spring’s MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers respite care (short recuperative stays) or trial stays (up to a full month) so you can see if we are a good fit. Please contact us today for more information about outstanding senior living at MorningStar.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs has to offer.

Source: seniorlifestyle.com/resources/blog/the-mental-health-benefits-of-socializing-for-seniors/

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