The Importance of Social Wellness for Seniors

For many Americans, when asked to describe a perfect day, the mention of being surrounded by family and friends is often high on the list, which is no surprise. As humans, socialization and relationships play an important role in human development and happiness. Humans rely on one another for support and motivation. As we grow older, that dependency on others becomes more necessary, but building and maintaining relationships grow more difficult. And without those relationships, our social well-being diminishes. This is why it’s important to find ways to interact with others, even as we age. 

What is Social Wellness and Why is it Important?

Social wellness refers to one’s ability to build relationships and interact with others. As innately social creatures, it’s important for us to build strong and meaningful connections. For the average American, friendships blossom through interactions at school and work. But as we age, those opportunities for interactions lessen.

According to research published by the National Library of Medicine, social isolation in seniors has been associated with an increased risk of dementia. Routine interactions with others maintain cognitive abilities. When seniors strengthen their social wellness, they combat the cognitive decline associated with dementia. Not only does social interaction have an impact on positive mental health, but it also has been linked to happier and longer lives. Encouraging seniors to find activities that allow them to interact with peers not only improves their social well-being but also strengthens their overall health.

Activities for Seniors to Improve Social Wellness

Since many seniors no longer work and aren’t in school, they might find it difficult to build relationships outside of their family. Here are some activities seniors can participate in, both in-person and virtually. 

• Join a group dedicated to your favorite hobby. Whether you’re interested in cooking, exercising, reading, or bird watching, there’s a group of people out there passionate about the same hobbies as you. Reach out to a local community center to discover what group meetings are near you. You can also find virtual meetups via websites such as Meetup if you’re not comfortable or able to leave your home. 
• Improve your physical health in a social setting. We all know that exercise is great for improving your physical health and building an exercise routine, but it can also be a great way to meet new people. You don’t have to be a workout guru to join an exercise class. There are a ton of low-impact workout opportunities that are perfect for people of every fitness level, such as walking clubs and tai chi. Reach out to a local community center or gym to discover what exercise classes are available in your area. You can also go online to find live virtual workout class if you more safe working out in your home. Be sure to consult a doctor before starting any new workout routine.
• Signup for an online social platform. Social platforms such as Facebook are a great way to stay connected with family and friends. You can even join groups on Facebook dedicated to different topics, such as knitting or baseball, and join conversations about things that are of interest to you. 
• Have a virtual game night with families and friends. If you have family and friends that don’t live close enough to visit, have one of your family members schedule a virtual game night. You can play online word association games, virtual board games, or just talk to your family to see what’s up with them. 
• Find volunteer opportunities. There are a ton of volunteer opportunities available, both in-person and remote. If you love interacting with kids and teens, look into a mentorship program where you can give advice and provide assistance on homework. If you’re good with numbers or have strong organizational skills, think about offering your services to a nonprofit’s fundraising sector. Is serving the community more your style? Check out Minnesota Senior Corps for community service opportunities. 
• Adopt or foster a pet. Not all social interactions have to be with humans. Sometimes just being able to interact with a pet can improve your move and cognitive skills. Many local shelters have a senior-to-senior program where seniors can adopt senior pets for a discounted price and are provided resources to make the transition and training of the pet easier. Not ready to make a commitment to a pet? Contact your local shelter to see what sort of fostering or volunteer opportunities are available. 
• Hire an outside caregiver. Having someone outside of your immediate family providing care is a great way to interact and build a relationship with someone. Plus, at-home caregivers, such as the professionals at Visiting Angels Wayzata, can help can provide assistance in meal prep, light housekeeping and more. If you’re interested in learning more about our caregiving services, stop by our Wayzata office or give us a call at 952-935-0789.