According to a study published by the American Medical Association, 37% of seniors aged 50 to 80 experience loneliness. Another 34% report feeling socially isolated.
Older adults have an increased risk of loneliness and social isolation. Unfortunately, loneliness and isolation can increase your risk of mental or physical health conditions.
Engaging in senior social activities through your New Holstein, WI community may reduce your risk of social withdrawal. Not sure how your senior living community can help? Read on to learn more.
Older adults are at increased risk of loneliness and social isolation due to:
Social withdrawal could compromise your health. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, social isolation is associated with a:
Here are other ways social isolation can pose a health risk.
Loneliness can cause stress. Stress can trigger elevated levels of cortisol, which may cause:
High cortisol may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. These include:
Explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar if you feel lonely. Engaging in fun activities may help you relieve stress.You can rely on your community for support.
According to the CDC, social isolation and loneliness may increase your risk for:
Loneliness may weaken your immune system, leaving you more susceptible to illnesses.Before that happens, explore your senior living community's wellness programs. These include:
These senior lifestyle programs may enhance your overall health. Improving your physical health can increase your longevity and improve your quality of life as you age.
According to a study in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, & Psychiatry, lonely seniors are more likely to develop dementia than others. Social isolation can cause loneliness and depression symptoms. You may experience reduced cognitive function.
Loneliness could increase your risk of dementia by 20%. Social withdrawal contributes to factors that cause cognitive decline, including:
Loneliness and social isolation may cause the proteins tau and beta-amyloid to build up in the brain. Both are associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Having meaningful relationships with other seniors can keep your brain active.New neural pathways may form (neuroplasticity), which can help:
You can improve neuroplasticity by engaging in activities with other seniors. Try stimulating your brain by:
Moving into a local senior living community may reduce feelings of loneliness. Here are a few ways your community can help.
Your senior living community will offer access to lifestyle programs and healthy aging strategies. Prioritize:
You can find healthy, delicious meals through your senior living community's dining program. Ask friends to join you for meals. Their presence may encourage you to make healthier choices.
Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Talk to a doctor if you're struggling to fall and stay asleep. Trouble sleeping may indicate you have an underlying health condition.
Otherwise, try adding stress-relief techniques to your routine. Learning how to relieve stress may help you fall asleep. Effective techniques include:
Socializing with other seniors can also help you relieve stress. Don't be afraid to speak up and ask for help.
Exercising can help relieve stress and improve your sleep quality. Ask friends to join you and hold you accountable to attend classes regularly. Your senior living community may offer classes through a fitness program, including:
Explore your senior living community's events calendar for engaging activities, such as:
Volunteering can give you a sense of purpose. It may help you connect with other members of your community.
Learning new skills can encourage neural pathways to form. It could slow cognitive decline while helping you meet new friends. Try learning from the other seniors in your community.
Gaining new skills can give you a sense of pride and accomplishment. Keeping your mind sharp, on the other hand, can improve daily functioning.
Consider joining a support group if you recently lost a loved one. Leaning on a support system can offer comfort and a sense of belonging. They can provide coping techniques.
Social withdrawal can affect your health and quality of life. Before that happens, explore your senior living community in New Holstein, WI.
Look no further than LakeHouse New Holstein. We develop personalized care plans to meet each resident's needs.
Enjoy our exclusive senior lifestyle programs, including engaging activities, community outings, and wellness services. Our approach to senior living is to create a warm and inviting environment where you can enjoy your golden years. Contact us now to schedule your tour!