Generally when people think about health they tend to focus on the physical and mental aspects. However, emotional health is also extremely important to overall wellbeing and social activity plays a large role in sustaining it. Companion caregivers can offer older adults an additional source of social interaction while assisting with daily routines and providing emotional support.
Importance Of Social Activity For Seniors
Maintaining social relationships and experiencing regular social interaction is essential for preserving a good level of overall health. Consistent social engagement provides a variety of critical health benefits that are often overlooked. Social activity can benefit seniors by:
- Increasing sense of purpose
- Boosting self-esteem
- Keeping the mind sharp
- Offering new opportunities
- Reducing the risk of dementia
Increasing Sense Of Purpose
After retirement, a lot of older adults struggle to find a sense of purpose in daily life which can be difficult for some to cope with. In many cases, a sense of purpose can be fulfilled by something as simple as knowing your actions matter to someone. Social relationships are a great way to affirm that you are cared for and significant to the lives of others.
Boosting Self-Esteem
It can be challenging to maintain a high level of self-confidence without the interaction and support of social networks. As we get older, our social networks tend to dwindle over time making it more difficult to access that much needed social engagement. Someone to talk to about experiences, joys, and concerns goes a long way in improving self-esteem and avoiding depression.
Keeping The Mind Sharp
Preserving cognitive function becomes increasingly important with age. There is a variety of mentally stimulating activities that can help exercise cognitive skills and keep the brain active. Communication one simple activity that provides numerous benefits to the brain. The very act of conversation forces the brain to process incoming information and generate an appropriate response in a timely fashion. Combine this with emotional support and there really is no replacement for good old human interaction.
Offering New Opportunities
People that regularly engage with others are generally increasing their chances for new and exciting experiences. Learning new skills and trying new things kelps keep the mind nimble to optimize cognitive capacity. Options are endless to share experiences that can increase physical activity, develop a new hobby, get creative, and improve emotional health.
Reducing the Risk of Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of a dementia are a genuine concern for older adults as they navigate their ways through their 60s and beyond. Although there is still no cure for dementia, certain lifestyle practices can help delay or even prevent the onset of neurodegenerative disorders. Social activity is one such practice that has been proven to help inhibit the brain from a speedy decline.
Research indicates that social interaction can help the brain develop something known as cognitive reserve. Cognitive reserve improves the brain’s resilience, making it less susceptible to damage and deterioration.
How do Companion Care Services Help?
Companion care services offered by a professional home care agency can have incredible cognitive benefits for seniors. Some of the impressive advantages of companion care services include:
- Increased social interaction
- Assistance with daily routines and activities
- Increased mental stimulation
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Lower risk of health problems
- Lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia
- Respite for family caregivers
- Ongoing emotional support
