As we age, staying socially active becomes increasingly important for maintaining overall well-being.
Yet, many seniors and their caregivers face the frustration of social isolation.
This isolation can stem from various factors, including mobility challenges, health issues, loss of loved ones, and even societal stigma, meaning seniors don't want to hang out with other seniors.
Lets face it. A 65-year-old senior does not see herself socializing with folks over 85-years old all the time. Seniors want to be part of a group like themselves. Doesn't everyone?
See how seniors and their families work though all their years together with people they love, and memories they cherish. Click here.
How did we get here?
Let's delve into the frustrations we encounter when socialization dwindles, along with practical tips to combat this issue and foster meaningful connections.
Decreased social opportunities because we left our jobs, have physical limitations, or we have relocated away from all our friends to go live near our children or grandchildren.
Health concerns like chronic health conditions or mobility issues can us from participating in social activities, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. For example, we might have a weekly lunch but then we decide to skip one week and soon that leads into two or three weeks and then we forget about the lunch date completely.
Loss of loved ones means our friends, spouses, or family members leave before us, leaving us in grief, depression, sadness, and lonely.
Limited Transportation: When transportation becomes a problem and seniors can no longer drive, we often do not want to burden our children with a way to get out to see friends.
Societal Stigma: Unfortunately, we seniors often face a stigma related to aging, which can lead to feelings of invisibility or unworthiness in social settings. People tend to not come over to our chair and visit. The younger crowd is doing their thing and we are left to watch instead of engage. Sometimes, it makes us feel like we are a burden or shouldn't have gone to the outing in the first place.
How Super-agers remain active and engaged
They use smartphones, tablets, or computers to open up a world of social opportunities, from video calls with loved ones to online forums and virtual classes.
Seniors explore community programs and remain active in clubs that interest them.
Seniors who volunteer not only benefit themselves and the community but also provide opportunities for seniors to connect with others who share similar interests and values. It gives them a chance to make change for the better.
Physical activity not only promotes overall health but also provides opportunities for social interaction. Seniors can join walking groups, dance classes, or exercise clubs to stay active while socializing.
Many super-aging seniors match social events with physical, like walking in a park or on the beach and sharing stories.
How family can help keep seniors engaged
Encourage Participation: Caregivers can encourage seniors to participate in social activities by doing these activities with them. For example, your senior might not want to go to a senior center, but might like to go to a mall with you.
Facilitate Technology Use: Caregivers can assist seniors in learning to use technology by providing patient guidance, troubleshooting technical issues, and setting up virtual social interactions.
Organizing family gatherings or outings provides seniors with opportunities to socialize with loved ones and create lasting memories. Have family events.
Family can schedule outings to local parks, museums, or community events, allowing seniors to explore new environments and engage in social interactions. Many caregivers bring their parents along on outings with friends who also have older parents. Everyone has a good time.
Geriatric counselors ( better said...Counselors who work with Super-Agers) or family counselors are important for both seniors and caregivers who want to avoid depression or loneliness.
Why must seniors combat social disengagement?
Social isolation has detrimental effects on seniors' physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Research has linked social isolation to increased risk of depression, cognitive decline, and even mortality among older adults. In fact, more research is showing that social interactions are more than one’s own health. It gives us hope, a sense of purpose, identity, and belonging in later life.