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Five Reasons to Stay Socially Active as You Age

It’s not a surprise that our bodies benefit from physical activity. Exercise gets your heart rate up and improve your balance, strength and overall mobility. However, did you know engaging with others is just as important to your overall health as you age? Unfortunately, it can be challenging for some seniors to connect with others due to friends and family moving away, or possibly limited mobility makes it hard to get out and about.

This can lead to isolation and loneliness, which can have a detrimental effect on your physical,mental and emotional health. In other words, social wellness, one of the eight dimensions of wellness, is key to healthy aging.

Benefits of Social Activities for Seniors

By staying connected with others as you age, you will experience a variety of benefits, including:

1. A boost to your mental health: Consistent contact with friends can help maintain good emotional health, which means reducing stress and lowering the risk of depression. It can also reduce the risk of dementia. Social activities even improve cognitive function of the brain.
2. Improved physical health: Consistent socialization can lower blood pressure, boost the immune system and reduce physical pain. Social relationships can naturally lead to more physical activity. You may be getting together with a workout buddy, walking group or joining friends on the golf course.
3. Better eating and sleeping habits: Older adults can be vulnerable to malnutrition, but studies show they often eat more food and healthier options when dining with others. Also, those with good relationships in their lives tend to sleep better than those without them.
4. Provides a sense of belonging: Social activities not only help you stay connected to those you care about most, but they can give you a feeling of belonging. Finding engaging ways to spend time with others allows you to build a support system. Additionally, these relationships provide a sense of purpose to your days.
5. Increased longevity: Some studies have shown that those who are connected to others even live a longer, happier life. This is due to the fact that friends can help you deal with the stresses of life and can also encourage you to live a healthier lifestyle.

Becoming More Social

Connecting with people can be overwhelming when you don’t know where to start. Some of these activities might be just what you need to find new relationships.

• Commit to an exercise class
• Get coffee with a friend
• Get involved with social networking
• Keep your brain busy with puzzles and games
• Join a club that focuses on reading, gardening or another activity that interests you
• Stay involved with your family
• Find volunteer work
• Attend a church

Connect with Others at Peabody Retirement Community

If you are on your own or ready to downsize, this might be the right time to start living among people with your same interests. A senior living community can be the best place to combat isolation with a calendar of activities and a way to gather with others for meals. With a variety of living options available at Peabody Retirement Community, you can find the relationships you need for better overall wellness in all eight dimensions. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a personal tour.