As people age, some tend to become more isolated than others. It may be due to the loss of a loved one, living a good distance away from family, or simply by choice. However, caregivers and seniors should understand that socializing is key to a healthier elderly adult. Here’s what to know about it.

Why Is Socialization Crucial for Seniors?

Social interactions are essential at every life stage, but more so with older adults because they’re prone to isolation. Constantly interacting with a range of people besides your caregiver or elderly care professional offers many health benefits.

Being social encourages seniors to be more active—the more variety in their encounters, the more they move and become less sedentary. Those with a strong support network are more likely to exercise regularly, making them physically healthier. 

Maintaining positive sources of social support, be it from your caregiver, loved one, or friend, reduces stress, wards off anxiety and depression, and improves self-esteem. Negative mental health from depression, chronic stress, and anxiety is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other harmful bodily responses.

Socialization also improves cognitive health. Positive interactions mentally stimulate and engage them, helping decelerate cognitive decline. It also reduces their risk for memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia.

How Can You Encourage Them to Be More Social?

Help your senior relative form new connections or interact outside their usual circle of a caregiver or home health care professional with these tips. 

Persuade them to be physically active by recommending exercise, activity groups, or fitness classes, where they can meet other people through regular events. If they have a hobby or are interested in starting a new one, sign them up for a club. As with most groups, members are encouraged to share and meet occasionally to have friendly interactions. 

Sometimes, seniors lack the motivation to go out and meet others because they don’t have the means to do so. If you want them to socialize more, assist them by driving them to these meetings and activities.

If you or a loved one needs help with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) which includes meal preparation, light housekeeping, toileting, and bathing, trust the professionals at Deer Valley Home Health Services in St. Louis, MO. There’s also the option of arranging for private duty nurse visits if you do not qualify for Medicaid. Call (314) 355-3679 to discuss your specific needs, or visit them online to learn more about their services.