How Social Activities in Retirement Communities Help Mental Health
Aristotle wrote many centuries ago, “Man is by nature, a social animal.” Not much has changed even today. Throughout life, from childhood to adulthood and senior years, we need social interaction in order to lead a happy, balanced life. An important advantage of retirement and assisted living communities in New Jersey is the social interaction it allows residents and caregivers.
Adult Care Advisors identify five key benefits of social activities in retirement communities:
- Maintain a connection with other people and relationship building
Social activities with other people in senior care provide a meeting place to interact with peers and other like-minded people who all find themselves in a similar situation. It creates a sense of camaraderie and helps builds friendships. - Independence
Having things to do besides chores! Social activities encourage a sense of purpose and independence where you are in control and choose what to do with your time. Whether it’s a book club, bingo night or a boat trip, seniors need a social life to enjoy their independence and remain healthy and happy. - Sense of accomplishment
An academic history course, a language lesson or learning how to play the piano offers seniors an opportunity to learn something new and enjoy a sense of accomplishment. As the saying goes – it’s never too late to learn something new…and enjoy it! - Mental stimulation
Regardless of what type of social activity your senior loved ones choose to participate in – it will be new, exciting and therefore, mentally stimulating. Many studies have proven that seniors who remain socially active go through memory loss at a significantly slower rate. - Physical exercise
From yoga classes, to group walks and trips to nearby parks, residents in assisted living communities have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of social activities. In addition, people who are socially active (regardless of the type of social activity) experience a much slower rate of physical decline compared to people who are socially inactive. *(Source: The Archives of Internal Medicine)
Social interaction and assisted living in communities has many positive benefits for your senior loved one’s overall health and wellbeing. For more information, contact our team of adult care consultants today on the range of senior care options available in New Jersey.