Benefits of Keeping in Touch with Loved Ones
When was the last time you called a loved one to catch up or visited family to spend quality time together? Keeping in touch with loved ones is challenging between packed schedules and physical distance, but it is worth prioritizing.
Benefits of Consistent Conversation
Engaging in conversation works our brain in many ways. Benefits of consistent conversation include improved physical, mental, social, and brain health.
Physical Health
Did you know that socialization can reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis? Studies show that loneliness and senior health issues are related. According to an AARP study, 1 in 3 adults aged 50 and older lack companionship. That means roughly 33 percent of seniors suffer from feelings of loneliness, which can lead to serious health problems. By keeping in touch with your senior loved ones, you can improve their physical health and promote a better quality of life.
Mental Health
It's no secret that an engaging conversation can brighten your mood. As humans, it's natural for us to crave connection through discussions with those we love. Those who tend to spend a lot of time isolated from others are more likely to develop feelings of loneliness and depression. Enjoying close social ties such as close relationships with family members, a spouse, friends, and colleagues can make us feel happier and improve our overall life satisfaction in the long run.
Brain Health
The brain is like a muscle constantly being worked on to strengthen, and socializing contributes to that. Holding conversations can keep our minds agile and improve cognitive function. Socializing can also prevent mental decline and lower the risk of developing dementia. A 2017 study conducted by researchers at the Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine found that 80-year-olds with the mental agility of 50-year-olds all had one simple thing in common. They all had a close-knit group of friends that they conversed with regularly.
Social Health
Social isolation and loneliness are common among seniors. Most of us engage with others daily through work, school, and outings with friends. As we age, our primary means of communication shifts. We no longer attend school or a job regularly, and it's more challenging to make plans with family and friends. Suddenly, we're finding ourselves spending more time alone, which can lead to depression and social anxiety. And the more time we spend alone, the more difficult it is to re-engage with society.
Staying Connected with Your Loved Ones
Keeping in touch with your senior loved ones is a small act they will forever cherish. Try to set aside time each week to call your loved ones or enjoy an in-person meal. Make sure to include other family members and organize a schedule so the socialization of your aging loved one is not falling on any single person. You can also consider hiring a Visiting Angels Westchester County caregiver who can regularly visit with your loved one on days you're feeling busy or overwhelmed.
In addition to providing companionship, our caregivers assist seniors with a wide range of in-home tasks such as light housekeeping, meal preparations, laundry, personal grooming, and more. Our White Plains, NY office serves those living in the communities of Westchester County. To learn more about our services, please visit us online or call us at 914-696-4200.