Seniors in the US are among the most socially isolated people globally.
According to the Pew Research Center, about 27% of older Americans live alone. This often means that they lack daily company, which is a risk factor for loneliness and mental health struggles.
Here, we’re going to talk about:
- What puts seniors at risk of social problems
- How elderly social struggles cause health issues
- How assisted living communities provide social support for seniors
Read on to learn how elderly care communities decrease the risk of senior social isolation.
Why Are Seniors at a Higher Risk of Social Challenges?
There are several reasons that seniors are at a higher risk of isolation than younger people. Some of the most common include:
- Losing loved ones to old age
- Limited contact with family and friends
- Heightened risk of chronic illness
- Chronic pain that makes movement challenging
- Lack of accessible transportation after turning in the car keys
- Few resources that teach seniors to get around without driving
- Depression that makes getting out feel impossible
Old age is a major risk factor for isolation in and of itself. One in four older adults is considered socially isolated. While only 35% of adults between 45 and 60 are lonely, this jumps to 43% when people reach the age of 60.
The Health Impacts of Senior Social Isolation
Loneliness is never a good feeling. It’s a natural outcome of social isolation that leads to sadness and hopelessness. Loneliness makes older adults feel like they lack purpose and fulfillment.
33% of lonely adults are treated for anxiety and depression. Those who are lonely are three times more likely to develop mental health issues than their socially fulfilled counterparts.
Cornell University also cites CDC figures saying that socially isolated people:
- Are at a 50% higher risk of dementia
- Have a 29% higher risk of heart disease
- Have a 68% higher rate of hospitalization after cardiac problems
- Are 32% more likely to suffer a stroke
- May need emergency room services 57% more than others
Seniors living alone also may turn to social media to form connections. This makes sense since they’re otherwise unable to socialize when they can’t get around.
However, studies cited along with the above figures show that passive social media use actually inhibits well-being. A senior living community takes interactions offline and brings older adults into the real world.
How Do Elderly Care Communities Offer Social Support for Seniors?
When people live in a community together, they don’t just become friends – they become neighbors. This means that residents can see each other daily and spend time together whenever they want.
It’s also easy to find things to do together at a Palm Beach, FL senior living community. Both scheduled programs and planned outings ensure that it’s simple to make plans.
However, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to working toward improving social life for elders.
A Variety of Activities
Elderly care communities offer a wide range of activities. On-site experiences may include:
- TV show and movie screenings
- Interesting guest lectures
- Live music shows
- Game nights
- Parties
- Themed dances
There are also clubs like:
- Crafting workshops
- Book clubs
- Exercise groups
- Health and wellness enhancement clubs
- Spiritual and religious gatherings
Additionally, community outings let seniors get out together. They can go to restaurants and local shopping areas. Sometimes, great communities like the Capstone at Royal Palm also have scheduled outings to plays, orchestral concerts, and local seasonal events.
Regardless of what your loved one is interested in, they’re sure to find exciting activities to look forward to regularly!
An added benefit of this is the ability to make friends with shared interests. If a resident loves crafting, they’ll go to a crafting workshop and meet others who share the desire to make things.
Since common interests lead to an increased sense of social belonging, this can help your loved one feel more purposeful. They can create and nurture strong and meaningful connections.
Enhanced Well-Being
It’s difficult to enjoy life and find the energy to make connections when your basic needs aren’t met. Many seniors aging in place struggle with this. They can’t reliably care for themselves enough to go out and meet people.
Assisted living communities offer services like:
- Help bathing and dressing
- Bathroom assistance
- Other hygiene-related help (brushing teeth, etc)
- Salon services
- Housekeeping
- Cleaning
- Help when moving around
- Access to mobility aids
When residents are well cared for, they can focus on making friends and creating meaningful connections. They won’t need to worry about their hygiene or appearance. They’re also less likely to be depressed when living in clean surroundings, which makes self-fulfillment easier.
Space to Enjoy Life
After a senior’s basic needs are met and they meet people with common interests, Florida assisted living communities foster connections in other ways.
Great community amenities are among the most important. Seniors don’t just have well-appointed spacious apartments. They also gain access to community areas, including:
- A relaxing Great Room for spending time with others
- A sunroom with lots of natural light
- Fitness center space with exercise equipment
- Community dining rooms
- Spa and salon space
- Outdoor amenities including gardens
- An outdoor gazebo for shaded relaxation
- Landscaped walking trails on community grounds
- Areas for pets to play and run
Seniors in these communities can easily visit each other’s apartments as well!
This means they have space to spend time with friends. They’ll be able to make plans independently and see neighbors and other community members daily. This means stronger bonds and lifelong companionship.
Decrease the Impact of Elderly Social Struggles
Understanding social challenges in old age is an important part of addressing senior social isolation. Luckily, elderly care communities offer a wide range of programs to help older adults thrive during their golden years.
Now that you know how The Capstone at Royal Palm staves off isolation and loneliness, it’s time to start getting assistance and social support for your loved one.
We’re committed to helping families stay informed about personalized care plans and social programs. Schedule a tour to learn more and see the amenities that our top-notch community offers.