As we move into a new year, one of the things that we are all waiting for is the opportunity to spend time united again. But regardless of the year, isolation is a continuing problem for the senior community. Apart from quarantine, there is the challenge of driving as you age, poor weather conditions in some places, or not having loved ones near, which add to seniors’ lack of engagement with others. There are physical and mental advantages to social connections. For seniors, who often live alone, a lack of community can increase the natural decline that comes with age. Assisted living campuses offer seniors built-in opportunities to have relationships and interact with others. Read on to learn more about the benefits of living with a ready-made community.
Belonging
Everyone wants to belong. We identify ourselves by the groups we’re in; family, friends, places of business, special interests. But what if we lose those things? As we age, many of the groups we readily associate with begin to go away. Living in a community automatically inserts seniors into a new circle where they can find shared interest groups, friend groups, and even groups with shared loss or grief.
Support
Everyone experiences challenging times. The best way to get through them is to lean on those around you. If a senior lives in isolation and is struggling with aging, grief, illness, loss, or myriad other emotions, they have no one to turn to. Senior communities offer the chance to build friendships, meet in support groups, and even talk to professionals when the need arises.
Physical Health
There are multiple ways that your health may decline as you age. Simply being idle can cause the onset of many issues. Senior communities often include physical fitness classes to keep you moving and active, which is good for both your body and your brain. When you live in contact with others, just the act of meeting for a visit, or perhaps a walk, is enough motivation to get your loved one up and going. And of course, senior living campuses offer medical professionals close-by and on call to ensure that your senior has the best possible care to address any health issues that may arise.
Mental Health
Mental health and emotional wellbeing are hugely impacted by isolation. Belonging and support are a part of that. Those who are socially connected are happier and have fewer mental health issues. Being a part of a community can give you a sense of purpose and a reason to get out of bed every day. And that applies to all of us, not just seniors. But as seniors often fall into isolation, the purposeful move to a community can be a huge mental health benefit.
Evergreen Senior Living is proud to offer a world of social interactions and a lovely community. Our location in Champaign, Illinois, boasts great opportunities for engagement all year long where your loved one can participate as much as they would like. Community matters. Contact us today about our programs, activities, and strategic plans to keep your senior active and involved.
