Everyone needs to have someone to talk to and spend time with. Everyone needs to have friends or someone they can trust to share information about their life with. If you are hanging out with or caring for your elderly loved one, it is important for you to know how important socialization is for the elderly. If you know the importance of this, it will be easier for you to motivate and get your elderly loved one to socialize more often. The socialization could be with other people their age, with you, or with elder care providers.
Fewer Physical Health Issues
Did you know that people who socialize regularly generally have fewer physical health issues than those who aren’t socializing? Some of the health issues that are less common in elderly people who socialize often include:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Chronic pain
- Other inflammatory conditions
If you are concerned about your elderly loved one getting these health problems, you should try to get them into social situations regularly. If they don’t have many friends or don’t really like leaving home much, you can have elder care providers go to their house for socialization activities.
Reducing the Risk of Dementia
If your elderly loved one socializes more often, it can lower their risk of dementia, too. Research shows that socializing helps to keep the brain active. It also slows down the progression of brain deterioration due to the need for focusing and remembering things when socializing. If your elderly loved one isn’t already socializing enough, you should try to get them to do so sooner rather than later.
Fewer Mental Health Problems
Did you know that elderly people often have fewer mental health problems when they socialize regularly? The risk of these issues is much lower than that of those who aren’t socializing. In addition, if your elderly loved one already has mental health issues, socializing can help to reduce the symptoms they experience.
Conclusion
These are just some of the top reasons why socialization is so important for the elderly. If you are caring for your elderly loved one, keep these benefits in mind. In addition, now that you know about these benefits, if your elderly loved one isn’t socializing regularly, you may want to hire elder care providers to socialize with them a few times each week. The home care providers can also take your elderly loved one to other social events and activities during the week, as well.
Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks
If you are considering elder care in Cinco Ranch, TX, for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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