Humans thrive with strong, fulfilling relationships. Older adults are no exception, but during their golden years, many seniors find themselves growing lonelier. While elderly individuals may enjoy living at home to maintain their own schedule and stay in a familiar environment, they often do so alone. Here’s why companion care is such an important part of comprehensive wellness for seniors. 

Why Elderly Adults Need Connections With Others

1. Beat Depression

Older adults experience many factors that can increase feelings of loneliness. Living alone isn’t the only cause; a loss of family members or friends, hearing loss, and chronic illness may also make them feel isolated. 

Loneliness is considered one of the main contributing factors for depression. People in their retirement years can use the extra time to cultivate new friendships, learn new skills, and seek out opportunities for social involvement in their communities to avoid depression.

2. Promote Brain Health  

Being socially isolated can increase a person’s risk for dementia by 50%. This could be a result of reduced cognitive activity due to minimal social stimulation. 

Additionally, many people fall into poor health habits when living alone, such as less nutritional dietary choices. For seniors who may need some extra socialization, companion care provided by an in-home caregiver offers socialization opportunities even on days family members have to work or friends can’t visit.

3. Increase Longevity

Being socially isolated also increases a person’s overall risk for premature death from any cause. In particular, loneliness is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and people who are lonely are more likely to have high blood pressure.

While these links aren’t fully understood, experts believe there are behavioral and psychological mechanisms that result from regular social interactions that help promote both mental and physical health. For this reason, routine visits from loved ones coupled with companion care could potentially increase a senior’s quality of life as well as their life span.

If you’re seeking companion care for yourself or a loved one, turn to Cross Love Home Health Care. Serving Clayton, MO, this agency pairs seniors with caregivers through consumer-directed services, allowing them to choose loved ones and friends to receive payment for providing care. Find out more about how their care model works online or by calling (314) 452-9091.