Many older adults feel lonely and bored.
This can be especially true for seniors who live alone and have difficulty getting out of the house on their own. In addition, older adults who have moved to be near family members who can help them may not be as socially active as they once were because they’ve left their friends behind.
A lack of social engagement can have serious implications on the emotional health of your aging relative. In fact, there is some scientific evidence showing that people who don’t have a strong social network may get ill more frequently, are more likely to become disabled, and may even die at a younger age than those who have regular social interactions. If your older family member is struggling to create social connections and meet new people, below are 3 ways to help them be more socially active.
#1: Walk the Dog
Taking the dog for a walk is not only a great way for older adults to get some exercise, but it also increases their chances of meeting people. Who can resist an adorable dog happily trotting beside its owner? When your aging relative is walking with a dog, people are more likely to stop and say hello because the dog draws their attention and gives them something to talk to the seniors about.
An elderly care provider can walk with the older adult and the dog, ensuring your loved one doesn’t fall.
#2: Attend a Class or Seminar
Check out community resources for free or inexpensive classes or seminars your older family member might be interested in. Hospitals, libraries, and senior centers are a good place to start. Many of them have classes pertinent to older adults, like cooking classes, exercise classes, and classes to learn new skills, like knitting or woodworking.
If the senior doesn’t drive, an elderly care provider can help them to get to classes and seminars by driving them there and back home when the class is over.
#3: Go to a Place of Worship
Seniors who are spiritually inclined can find like-minded people at a place of worship, like a church, synagogue, or mosque. Many of them also have small groups for study or to perform service acts, such as making blankets for children and newborns in the hospital or feeding the hungry. Often, older adults develop strong relationships with others in the congregation, which can lead to social gatherings and one on one conversations.
Elderly care can come to the older adult’s house to assist them with getting ready for worship or a small group event. An elderly care provider can help them to bathe or shower, dress, shave and perform other grooming tasks.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering a Caregiver in West Mifflin, PA, talk to the caring staff at Superior Home Care today. Call us at 412.754.2600
Sources
Health.harvard.edu
