Why Senior Socialization is Critical to Your Loved One’s Health

Lack of socialization is a detriment to a senior’s mental and physical health.
Image source: Flickr user Ulrich Joho

If you’re taking care of a senior citizen, meeting their physical and medical needs is probably your first priority. You want to make sure they have a safe home to stay in, and one that takes their limitations into account (i.e., has ramps, handrails, or is handicap-accessible). You also want to see that any illnesses or conditions they have are being properly managed with regular visits by a reputable agency. But what you may not know is how crucial senior socialization is to overall health. Without it, seniors can become depressed and isolated, which may lead to the physical deterioration you were trying to so hard to avoid.

elderly woman sitting in wheelchair
Lack of socialization is a detriment to a senior’s mental and physical health.
Image source: Flickr user Ulrich Joho

Socialization keeps physical health in check

Just like taking heart medication or trying to ward off osteoporosis, senior socialization helps keep physical health in check. Socialization may be as simple as keeping a cat or dog at home, since pets have been shown to lower blood pressure. Studies also indicate that interaction between people boosts immunity, leaving your loved one at a lower risk for communicable diseases. It’s important to remember that these diseases – such as the flu – can have a much more devastating effect on the older population, which makes avoiding them all the more important.
Of course, maintaining close bonds is also a terrific way to ward off mental illness such as depression and anxiety. It is even known to increase patient’s pain tolerance, and decrease their awareness of chronic pain. Finally, socialization may help seniors enjoy better nutrition, especially if they have a professional caretaker monitoring what they eat, and encouraging them to enjoy healthy foods.

Socialization helps keeps senior minds active

Senior socialization doesn’t just mean looking out for your loved one’s physical health. It’s been known to benefit the mind as well as the body. Social activity is a key part of maintaining cognition not only as a person ages, but at every stage in their life. In every one of the nursing homes I worked at, regular activities were scheduled to keep patient minds sharp. It’s just as important to get this type of intellectual stimulation when the senior lives at home.
Luckily, it’s not that difficult, and the majority of seniors prefer to remain in their homes anyway. Socialization can be as simple as having a professional caregiver play games and hold discussions with your loved one. They can also involve social workers or therapists visiting the home, if appropriate, for more intense one-on-one time. If the senior’s health permits, they may even benefit from an adult day club or arts program that takes place outside the home a few days a week.

Make senior socialization part of your overall care plan

No matter what your care plan is for your senior, socialization must be a part of it. Talk to your senior’s physician, social worker, or homecare professional to see that appropriate visits and activities are scheduled regularly. You’ll be taking an important step towards keeping your loved one happy, and at their highest level of functioning for as long as possible.
If you are unsure of how to best help an aging loved one, the trained and compassionate staff at the Institute on Aging is here to help you make that decision and gain the best in at-home senior care. Contact us to find out more.

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Three and a half years ago, Maggie Fang started her journey as an Assessment Specialist in the Support at Home Program at IOA. Her excellent people skills enabled her to manage a caseload of older adults and individuals with disabilities, helping them receive homecare to age in place. Maggie was selected to pioneer the Temporary Respite Caregiver Support program, and we are delighted to have such a skilled and dedicated individual leading our newest program at IOA. Thank you, Maggie, for your exceptional work! 

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Join us at the Adult Day Program at the Enrichment Center as Caregiver Coach Alex shares with us the incredible support and care provided to participants living with dementia. Clients enjoy various engaging activities, from music therapy to art classes, designed to stimulate their cognitive and physical abilities. The skilled staff at the Enrichment Center also provides caregivers with much-needed support and respite, allowing them to take a break and attend to their needs. If you or someone you know is looking for support in caring for a loved one with dementia, the Adult Day Program at the Enrichment Center in the Presidio is an excellent resource for you! 

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At Insitute on Aging, we are committed to attracting and retaining top talent, and we are incredibly fortunate to have Manuel Martinez on our team. With his extensive expertise in housing and community resources, Manuel has been an invaluable asset to our organization. Recently, he was promoted to the role of Assessment Specialist II in our Adults with Disabilities - Home Delivered Meals program. In addition to managing a caseload, Manuel has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and has become an expert in program management. We are grateful for Manuel's unwavering commitment to IOA and the community we serve. Thank you, Manuel, for your dedication and passion in making a difference in the lives of others. 
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In honor of #SocialWorkMonth, we're shining a spotlight on one of our exceptional social workers - Patty Myers! 

Patty has dedicated her career and volunteer efforts to support older adults and adults with disabilities in San Francisco. As the Resident Services Coordinator for Institute on Aging's Support in Independent Living program, Patty wears many hats to ensure that the 120+ residents of Martin Luther Towers Senior Housing can age in place comfortably. Her talent for connecting individuals with resources has enabled her to go above and beyond to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all. Patty's commitment to her work has been unwavering, and we are grateful to have her on our team at IOA. 

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