Social activities can help seniors feel connected within their community. Otherwise, loneliness and social isolation can affect their health and well-being.
According to the Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation, 34% of adults aged 50 to 80 have felt isolated from others in the past year. Another 37% feel a lack of companionship. Feeling isolated and lonely can affect your health and quality of life in Emeryville, CA.
If you feel alone, consider engaging in social activities through your senior living community. Their engagement programs can boost your mood and overall well-being.
How can social isolation affect your health, and what daily senior events are available in Emeryville? Read on to find out!
According to the CDC, loneliness and social isolation are widespread problems within the US. About 25% of adults lack emotional or social support. Another 33% of adults feel lonely.
Social isolation occurs when you lack relationships or contact with others. Loneliness occurs when you feel disconnected or alone. Both can affect your health.
Individual risk factors for social isolation and loneliness include:
Social isolation and loneliness may affect your health by increasing your risk of:
Engaging in daily senior events can give your life purpose and renew your sense of belonging.This can help you avoid the health consequences of isolation and loneliness. Here are a few other ways that connection through activity may benefit your health.
According to the National Institute on Aging, loneliness may increase your risk of:
Spending time with friends can keep your mind active. Exploring new hobbies and having discussions can help neural pathways form. Engaging in social activities is related to a reduced risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.
You can find memory-friendly social options through your senior living community, such as:
Engaging in regular exercise may help:
You can find fun exercise classes through your senior living community's fitness program. Ask friends to join you. Their encouragement may help you stick to a regular exercise routine.
About 21 million American adults struggle with depression annually. Symptoms may include:
Let a mental healthcare professional know if these symptoms persist beyond two weeks. They can help you begin an appropriate course of treatment. Spending time with friends may uplift your mood, improving your emotional stability.
Explore your local senior living community to discover senior engagement programs. These may include:
You can discover new hobbies through your senior living community's events and activities calendar. Developing new skills can improve your neuroplasticity and cognitive health.
Consider asking friends to join you for meals through your community's dining program. Their presence may encourage you to make healthy eating decisions. This can also ensure you don't skip meals.
Volunteer to support your Emeryville community. Giving back to your community can give you a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.
Try teaching young adults, teens, and kids. Showing off your skill set can boost your self-esteem.
Seniors should try to socialize daily. Studies suggest that socializing nearly every day seems to be the most beneficial for a long life. According to a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, your time to death may be reduced by 87% if you socialize daily.
If you're struggling to socialize every day, try:
Challenge yourself! Try meeting someone new within your community every week. Discuss your interests and hobbies to find other seniors with shared passions.
Seniors can find engaging social activities through their local:
Check your senior living community's events and activities calendar for more opportunities to socialize.
Social isolation and loneliness can become detrimental to your overall health and well-being. Before that happens, discover fun social activities through your local senior living community. Engaging in fun events can give you a renewed sense of belonging.
At 1440 By the Bay, we take pride in not only helping you live, but truly thrive. We offer modern residences and on-site amenities and services designed to make your life easier and more enjoyable.
Discover our exclusive senior lifestyle programs, including homestyle meals through Elevate Dining, Vibrant Life Events & Activities like outings, and fitness classes like yoga through Dimensions Health & Fitness. Contact us now to schedule your tour.