How Social Interaction Supports Well-Being in Assisted Living
Social interaction is an important skill that is even more crucial for seniors to maintain. Elderly folks can often suffer from isolation or the degrading effects of cognitive decline, so options such as assisted living communities can help them to maintain strong social connections for a rich and meaningful life.
A study conducted by the University of Michigan reports that friendships matter more than ever as you age. The statistics are surprising: Seniors with better health have more friendships, while those in poorer physical and mental health do not maintain as many friendships.
For seniors in Atlantic, IA, there are plenty of opportunities to establish new social connections, even in retirement. A senior living community can be one of the easiest ways to maintain a healthy social life in your senior years.
What Is the Meaning of Social Interaction?
The simplest definition of social interaction is that it is a conversation or other type of exchange between two or more people. The length and shape of a social interaction vary widely depending on many different factors. However, at its core, social interaction is simply communicating with one another.
What Causes Poor Social Skills in Adults?
Poor social skills in adults can be the result of inherent issues, such as mental illness, or environmental effects. Some of the key causes of limited social skills in seniors specifically include:
- Existing conditions: Anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, and more can all be detrimental to your ability to interact normally or the desire to socialize.
- Isolation: After retirement, the balance between aging and emotional health can feel delicate due to a lack of transportation or fewer opportunities for socialization.
- Trauma: Going through a traumatic period or event can cause sufferers to withdraw and feel safe in certain social situations, or with certain types of people.
- Major Transitions: Moving to a senior living community or suffering an important loss may decrease the desire to socialize.
How Assisted Living Social Life Can Help With Senior Engagement
If you find yourself struggling with social interaction, a senior living community may be the perfect solution for you. Here are some of the ways that a dedicated community can positively impact your social life.
Community Connection Opportunities at Your Doorstep
Seniors often face isolation due to no longer wanting to drive or losing the ability to operate a vehicle. With senior living, those worries are a thing of the past. Any activities or meetups you desire are only a short walk away.
Grab a meal with your friends in the dining room, or take a stroll with an exercise club through the beautiful gardens. When you need a break, the quiet escape of your residence is a heartbeat away.
A Built-In Calendar of Social Activities
When you retire, the amount of free time can seem overwhelming. With so many empty hours in the day, where can you begin? Should you invest in a new hobby, exercise, or something else?
Allen Place Senior Living removes that worry with a full roster of activities that present plenty of windows for socialization with fellow residents. The plethora of events available guarantees you will find something that piques your interest.
Streamlined Floor Plans Built for Easy Interaction
When you live close to your neighbors, it is easier than ever to invite other residents to your apartment for a snack or a movie. The streamlined layout emphasizes functionality, but also provides plenty of space to accommodate guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Socialization Help With Dementia?
Socialization and in-person connection can be incredibly beneficial for seniors suffering from dementia. The Alzheimer's Society reports that social isolation may actually worsen your dementia symptoms or accelerate the progression of the disease, highlighting the importance of maintaining relationships into your senior years.
Regular interactions with loved ones and even staff members can create positive connections in the brain, helping you boost your memory and retain crucial social skills. Reduced stress and healthy cognitive behaviors might also play key roles in slowing dementia.
How Can I Practice My Social Skills?
If you are anxious about socializing, it is best to take small steps. Consider inviting your close friends or family members over to your residence and hosting a small gathering.
Socializing can be difficult if you have just moved into a senior living community. Being away from everything you know is stressful on its own, and trying to forge new connections can seem daunting.
Make a list of attainable goals for yourself surrounding your socialization efforts. For example, a goal of doing one activity a day may seem insurmountable, so instead, make a goal of doing it twice per week.
What Other Socialization Opportunities Exist Besides Senior Living?
Although senior living is a fantastic environment to hone your social skills and create new connections, it is not the only option for elderly folks. Many communities have senior centers or buildings specifically geared toward senior residents. They host events and daily activities, and often invite friends and family of all ages to participate.
If you are social media-savvy, consider joining online groups. Sites such as Facebook have group and forum pages, making it easier than ever to connect with people who share common interests. With no location or time zone constraints, social media presents a whole new world of opportunities for connection.
Enjoy Your Iowa Retirement Lifestyle at Allen Place
As a senior, social interaction should not have to be difficult. With this guide, you can take advantage of assisted living and senior living communities to ensure that you cultivate a retirement where you can thrive.
At Allen Place Senior Living, we focus on providing our residents with numerous amenities and opportunities for engagement. Programs such as delicious dining with chef-prepared meals and a constant rotation of activities and events will help you feel right at home at Allen Place.
Are you ready to transition to a senior living community? Reach out to us today to learn more, or visit our beautiful campus in Atlantic, IA, to see it for yourself. We can't wait to hear from you!