5 Benefits of Being a Social Senior

As humans, we are social creatures. In the past, I gave 4 tips on how you can provide social support to older adults. But besides wanting interaction and comradery with others, how can social interaction really help seniors?

According to information from St. Joseph Health in Sonoma County, CA, “research has shown that social interaction offers older adults many benefits. Staying socially active and maintaining interpersonal relationships can help you maintain good physical and emotional health and cognitive function.”

Below are 5 benefits of being social senior:

• Potentially reduces risk for Alzheimer’s disease
• Lowers blood pressure, providing better heart health
• Improves memory
• Reduces risk for mental health issues such as depression
• Improves attitude

Providing socialization for an older adult can help them relieve stress, improve their memory and keep cognitive functions strong. Seniors that socialize with others regularly are also less likely to become depressed. “Biology: Life On Earth With Physiology” notes that stress and isolation have a direct correlation with poor health and shorter lifespans. By reducing stress, an older adult could see lower blood pressure, which can improve longevity.

Our Members can be social seniors every day!

At Naperville Senior Center we have a variety of social activities available for our Members every day. Some of our Members have even communicated with their grandchildren across the world from our computer station. There are opportunities to colorize, harmonize, hypothesize, verbalize, improvise, evangelize, socialize, exercise, have fun, and plenty of activities to provide mental and physical stimulation.

Families of NSC Members report less friction and more harmony at home in the evening. Members have something to talk about and look forward to their next visit to our facility.

Come Visit! To learn more about how NSC can provide a respite for caregivers and a great social environment for your loved one, contact us at 630-857-3017. We invite you to Come Visit, see what we have to offer, and understand the Naperville Senior Center experience, “Home Away From Home.”