There is a multitude of factors that go into maintaining our health. But a healthy lifestyle means more than just eating right and getting enough exercise. nothing is so important to our mental health as socializing.
Social wellness is an often-overlooked factor when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Building upon the relationships you have with others and seeing them often is a part of maintaining your mental health. It's thanks to these quality relationships that you're able to receive support, share your joy with others, and feel like a part of a community.
Unfortunately, maintaining your social life becomes more difficult as you age. Friends move away, loved ones might pass on, and finding the time to work socialization into our schedules becomes difficult. This is made all the more challenging when mobility factors come into play. Even if you might have the funds to go on a vacation and see your friend across the country, health conditions and mobility issues might make this impossible.
Regardless, maintaining a healthy social life is key in supporting your health. Since the 65-and-older age bracket is the fastest-growing demographic in the world, it's more important than ever to start identifying ways to keep up on your social health.
Now that we've identified some of the challenges we face as we grow older, we can start to figure out ways to prevent these barriers from holding you back. Here are some of the best ways that you can stay social when you enter your golden years.
What Good Does Socializing Do For the Body?
Socializing has countless benefits on your mental and physical health. Countless studies show that socializing into your old age can increase longevity and promote physical activity among the older population. On top of that, socialization is known to reduce high levels of stress, which is needed if you rely on the help of senior home care.
But that's not all. Here are some of the other ways that socialization can benefit you:
- Better mental health, including less anxiety and a lowered risk of depression
- A higher self-esteem
- It can stave off the risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer's, and other age-related mental health conditions.
Whether you're receiving assisted living at home because of a health condition or you're simply trying to get out more, the benefits of socializing cannot be understated. Here are some of the best ways that older folks can get more social.
Commit to Volunteer Work
One of the most difficult aspects of getting social is finding opportunities to spend time with others. The COVID-19 pandemic has only made this more difficult. Luckily, there still are countless ways to make genuine connections with others.
One of the best ways is by volunteering in your community. This is a great way to meet like-minded people that are devoted to helping others. To maintain social distancing from others, you can volunteer online. There are many organizations that offer virtual volunteer opportunities in a variety of roles. Although you won't be seeing people in person, you can still make great connections and feel like you're helping those who need it. All you have to do is do a quick search online for virtual volunteer opportunities and choose one that suits your skills and interests.
Learn How to Communicate Online
If your friends have moved away, learning how to use the internet is key. Computers have come a long way in terms of video chatting and voice calling. There are some services that even allow you to read what your loved one is saying as they say it. If your best friend or family member lives across the country, learning how to video call can make the two of you feel a whole lot closer.
Socialize with a Comfort Keepers Staff Member
When you're looking to become more social, why not consider senior home care near Laguna Woods? Our community of caregivers understand the importance of socialization as you enter your golden years. Our staff is friendly, helpful, and will provide meaningful companionship when you need it most. When you're ready to boost your mental and physical health, rely on our experienced staff today.
