Connection for All: The Importance of Socialization for Older Adults
September 23, 2024
Humans are innately social beings. From the beginning of our lives until the end, we need meaningful interaction with others to thrive.
As we grow throughout life, the ways and who we socialize with change, but healthy socialization at every point is key. It can impact our development, lifespan and our natural aging process.
Older adults have a vital need for socialization and connection with other humans, but often face challenges that are different from those in early life. Many older adults have fewer connections because:
They face physical limitations that make it harder to visit neighbors, family and friends
They’ve relocated away from loved ones
Their family members are busy
People pass away
Social connection impacts our health as we age
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four older adults experience social isolation. The challenges seniors face can leave them at risk for loneliness, which can lead to health risks including depression, anxiety, dementia, stroke, heart disease and other chronic health conditions.
A study by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that those with less frequent social contact saw a 57% higher risk of dementia. Less social connection can also lead to poor sleep, which negatively affects all cognitive functions and takes a toll on the immune system.
On the flip side, seniors who have more social connections experience great physical benefits, including:
Lower blood pressure
Reduced hypertension
Improved cardiovascular health
Decreased risk for cancer, osteoporosis and arthritis
Improved cognitive health
And more!
The emotional health benefits are even greater. Social connection has been shown to:
Reduce loneliness
Increase independence
Enhance quality of life
Foster belonging
Reduce mental health issues
Lead to a longer lifespan
Facilitating social support for seniors
If social connection is so important for seniors, why aren’t there better ways for them to build stronger networks, be involved in the community and host friends and family?
Society caters to its younger citizens, often deprioritizing or leaving out our elders entirely. This can lead to seniors being left with less social capital, which is the value derived from positive connections between people in the community, business and other social constructs.
Older adults can take matters into their own hands. They can try volunteering, visiting with friends or joining hobby groups, but many need more assistance and integration of socialization in their daily lives.
According to a study conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago for the National Investment Center for Seniors & Care (NIC), seniors who live in a senior living community experience greater longevity and access to health services compared to their counterparts.
Senior living communities can create more social connection opportunities for older adults that they may be searching for in their local community. There are countless ways for older adults to engage with people around them, including:
Living in a close-knit community with a caring group of caretakers
Participating in organized social engagements
Going on coordinated excursions
Participating in resident-led programs
Joining pen pal systems
And more
Wellness at The Westerly
Wellness is at the heart of all of The Westerly’s offerings. This means social wellness, too! Designed for residents to host family and friends and with many opportunities to be social in small or large groups, residents can choose the level of involvement that makes sense for their lifestyle and health.
We offer dozens of amenities for residents and their guests to enjoy, including:
A social and dining room called The Comet Club
An aquatic center
A tea room
A health and fitness center
A rooftop patio
A golf simulator
An outdoor memory-care courtyard
Independent Living at The Westerly supports an active lifestyle and offers a variety of regular programs designed to engage you as part of our person-centered approach to wellbeing. A full program list will be available to residents with opportunities like:
Seated fitness
Cardio drumming
Dance workouts
Game sessions
Art workshops
Off-site excursions
And more
We are now leasing! Contact us to schedule a tour and to learn about leasing options.