3 Reasons Why Social Support for Elderly people is so Important

 

Why are social connections crucial for seniors? What social support do you need as you age?

 

 

As the old adage goes, “No man is an island,” and with this, social connections and friendships are built to feel a sense of purpose and belongingness. Whether you have a small group of tight-knit friends or a whole social circle, there is no doubt that having friends provide the support you need throughout life.

Having social support for the elderly becomes more crucial for the physical and mental well-being of seniors. Fortunately, there are different social support and innovative community participation services that take care of the social well-being of our seniors. Inquire about social support services in your area to find out more.

 

Prevent loneliness and depression

 

 

Seniors are susceptible to social isolation and loneliness as they transition into a new phase in their lives. Office interactions are gone with retirement, and they find more free time in their hands. Age can also be physically limiting, leaving them with fewer activity choices.

These factors leave lesser social support for elders, and they tend to find themselves isolated from people. Research has found that loneliness can lead to a decline and mental and emotional health, and can also lead to depression. Anyone who is deprived of human connection struggle with social fulfilment, with a lack of sense of purpose

Research by the National Health Library in the US shows that an “absence or low level of social support for the elderly heightens physiologic responses, with a greater likelihood of developing anxiety and depressive symptoms and conditions.”

 

Support for Elderly People to Maintain mental acuity and cognitive health

 

 

Besides loneliness, the said research mentions that “a low frequency of interaction with family and friends, and low levels of participation in community-based groups (such as religious gatherings and civic clubs) increased the risk of cognitive decline.”

This research also points out that the lack of social support for elderly people can lead to dementia by 50%. Dementia, a chronic mental disorder that shows memory disorders, personality changes, and impaired reasoning, is prevalent among seniors.

If your loved one is living alone, has a limited social network, or low frequency of social contact, they are at an increased risk for dementia. You can prevent cognitive decline and dementia by incorporating more social activities and interactions for seniors.

With the care of an NDIS provider, your loved ones will have the social interaction they need to build mental acuity and maintain cognitive health.

 

Improve physical health and immunity

 

 

There are also plenty of physical health benefits related to social interactions. Social support for elders promotes cardiovascular health and increases immunity. By simply being active and enjoying life’s simple pleasures, our seniors improve their physical health.

When people, especially elders, lack social interactions, they are more likely to experience poor sleep, and physical inactivity, and can engage in unhealthy habits such as smoking. Social isolation can then lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and migraine, as seen among 8,600 older adults when the research was conducted.

Social support has been shown to lessen the physiological stress response, such as reducing blood pressure and the inflammatory response, in numerous studies.

 

Overall health and well-being

 

 

As our loved ones transition into a new phase in their lives, they need the care and support that comes with social interactions. It is crucial to maintain community participation so they can feel a sense of joy and purpose in their lives.

Social support for elderly people is indeed important, backed by numerous research studies. It is proven that social interaction among seniors prevents loneliness and depression, maintains mental acuity and cognitive health, and improves physical health and immunity.

 

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