Fostering Community Connections for Isolated Seniors in Tulsa
According to studies done by the University of Michigan and AARP, one in three older adults experience isolation and loneliness. Limited mobility, declining cognition, living far away from loved ones, and the death of a spouse can all contribute to these emotions.
Isolation poses a big risk to seniors and can lead to more serious concerns, including heart disease, high blood pressure, cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, and Alzheimer’s. As such, it’s imperative that older adults take proactive steps to maintain a healthy social life and connect with friends, family, and their local community.
3 Benefits of Community Engagement for Seniors
Engaging with their community benefits older adults in many ways, including:
1. Reducing Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation
Connecting with people in their local community allows seniors to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. This lowers the risk of health issues related to these emotions, promoting mental and physical well-being.
2. Encouraging Physical Activity
Seniors who participate in community events can move their bodies more. Whether volunteering to clean up a local park, attending fitness classes, or spending time with friends, social activity encourages more physical activity.
3. Creating a Sense of Belonging and Purpose
After we retire, we may feel like we’ve lost our sense of purpose. Connecting with others in the community can help older adults regain feelings of self-purpose and add meaning to their everyday lives. Giving back to the community by volunteering allows seniors to see the immediate results of their efforts, such as feeding the homeless or playing with dogs at local animal shelters.
Tips for Promoting Community Engagement in Seniors
Families and in-home caregivers can encourage older adults to get more involved in their communities in a number of ways, such as:
Volunteering at organizations that support their values and passions: Whether they want to help the environment or feed the less fortunate, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities for seniors to choose from.
Taking classes or workshops: Lifelong learning supports older adults’ mental health and can improve their cognition. Seniors can learn new skills or find knowledge through online classes or community classes.
Visit local community centers or libraries: Community centers and libraries are fantastic places for seniors to spend time engaging with their neighbors. Many centers and libraries offer fitness programs, workshops, clubs, and events tailored specifically to seniors.
Local Community Resources for Tulsa, OK, Seniors
A few places Tulsa, OK, seniors can visit to engage with community members are:
4233 S. Yukon Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74107
(918) 591-4307
400 Civic Center
Tulsa, OK 74103
(918) 549-7332
(918) 596-1292
Visiting Angels Tulsa Encourages Senior Community Engagement
Visiting Angels of Tulsa, OK, is proud to offer award-winning in-home caregiving solutions to older adults throughout Tulsa, Owasso, Broken Arrow, Jenks, and Bixby. Our caregivers can drive seniors to community centers, libraries, and events. We also provide compassionate caregiving services that deliver the emotional support and social connection seniors need to reduce loneliness and isolation.
Contact us today at (918) 609-5600 for more information.