By Mike Cooper

As we celebrate National Awareness Month, we realize there are many things people aren’t aware of with respect to older adults. Some facts and figures are surprising; by 2019, seniors will comprise 27% of our population.*

Here are 3 facts about senior citizens you might not know:

• Senior isolation increases the risk of mortality.**

In adults aged 52 and older, both social isolation and loneliness are associated with a higher risk of mortality. One possible explanation: “People who live alone or lack social contacts may be at increased risk of death if acute symptoms

Cardio Exercise

develop, because there is less of a support network to prompt medical attention.” Efforts to reduce isolation, including attending adult day service programs, are key to addressing the issue of mortality.

• Seniors who are physically active are less likely to have cognitive decline.

What can you do to help? If they are able, get a senior walking – even just a little bit. Start with short distances; take the long route through the dining room from the bathroom back to the sofa. It is likely they will gain endurance over time and will walk farther without extra effort.

• Seniors who have more social interactions are less likely to have cognitive decline.

What can you do to help? If you know a senior, visit with them once-in-a-while; play a game, do a puzzle, bring a meal, take a walk. Better yet, have them participate in adult day service programs where they can make new friends, share stories with peers, play games and have fun.

Our Members are welcome to be as independent as they can safely be while they are with us. In addition to socialization, we encourage exercise, games and puzzles, singing, clapping, dancing and a host of other activities to provide mental and physical stimulation for our Members.

Contact us to get schedule a FREE 3-hour trial at our facility so you can see what we have to offer and understand the Naperville Senior Center experience, “Home Away From Home”.

* Based on a 2015 study by the Naperville Senior Task Force.

**Based on a 2012 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.