Everyone needs a friend. Nurturing and maintaining friendships for the elderly is of utmost importance as well. Making active socialization a major part of your routine is one way to achieve that. However, making new friends during your golden years is understandably a little more challenging. Common life changes one may experience as they age including the loss of a spouse, loss of vision or hearing, as well as health and mobility issues can take a toll on your ability to have a thriving social life, and in turn, your well-being. Even then, friendships can help you get through tough times, and be a booster for your physical, mental, emotional, and social health.
Benefits The Mind and Body
Friendships can do wonders for you, physically and mentally. Medical professionals have been surveyed as noticing significant differences in the health outcomes of their socially active older patients as compared to those who were not. Those who had regular social engagement, regardless of whether they had complex health conditions like diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, fared better due to their improved mental health, social activities, and them taking better care of themselves in general.
Older adults who deal with loneliness and social isolation tend to be at a greater risk of dementia, cognitive decline, depression, heart disease, and stroke. Just as loneliness can be detrimental to your health, socializing and maintaining friendships can help to strengthen one’s immune system, lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, improve one’s recovery rate, sharpen memory and even improve the quality of sleep.
Source of Motivation
Friendships can also serve as a source of motivation in the adoption of healthy living habits. In looking out for one another, friends can help you keep your health on track by reminding you to go for physical exams or sharing their own experiences. They may also notice if you are experiencing any health changes such as memory loss or hearing deterioration that are not obvious to you. Having friends to talk to about problems or challenges you are facing can also be reassuring and stress-relieving. A supportive listening ear is always helpful in tough times.
Spaces for Socialization in Retirement Communities
Retirement communities should encourage residents to socialize and participate in stimulating activities by providing amenities such as communal spaces and game rooms. Here at Discovery Village At Castle Hills, the health and wellbeing of our residents are our top priority. We offer plenty of cozy and inviting communal spaces and lounges for residents to gather and hang out. Our activities calendar is also full of fun group activities like movie nights, game nights, and fitness classes that can keep residents actively engaged. All in all, residents are given plenty of opportunities to socialize, form friendships, and maintain connections.
Enjoy Your Golden Years at Discovery Village At Castle Hills
If you are interested to know more about the living options and lifestyle programs we offer at Discovery Village At Castle Hills, reach out to our team, who can schedule a tour and answer any questions you might have about life here.
