Social engagement comes naturally in our youth. With time, the hustle and bustle of our daily life are soon replaced with a sense of relaxation, leading to the waning of social engagement in our lives. This is usually unavoidable with retirement life, but it’s essential to ensure you maintain a healthy level of interaction regularly and for you to understand its importance.
Social Engagement in Improves Your Psychological Health
It’s common for self-esteem to dwindle as we experience the challenges of aging, like feeling frustrated with ourselves for having trouble doing as much as we used to. Connecting with those with whom we share similar passions helps individuals to avoid isolation, on top of cultivating new relationships and lasting bonds when participating in meaningful life events with others, leading to a reduced likelihood of developing mental health issues. Older adults who maintain regular social engagement tend to have a more complete sense of belonging and higher self-esteem levels. These strong connections with others create meaning in our lives, giving us a sense of community and fulfillment just by being close to others and being reminded that life is worthwhile.
Social Engagement in Improves Your Physical Health
Older individuals mostly live a sedentary lifestyle, and those who are isolated tend to skip meals as a result of eating alone. Physical inactivity combined with a poor diet can lead to a higher chance of fall, heart disease, reduction in brain function, obesity, and decreased life expectancy. Introducing such individuals to group exercise programs can be beneficial as the opportunity to socialize encourages a healthier and more active lifestyle, delaying age-related diseases. Getting yourself out there can help you be more active and have wholesome meals with peers alike, leading to improved overall physical health.
Social Engagement in Improves Your Cognitive Health
Socializing can provide a tremendous boost to your cognitive health. Whenever we have even the most basic exchange, we’re required to think about how to respond. Consistent mental exercises like this keep your mind intellectually engaged and mentally sharp and stimulated. Researchers found that isolated older adults performed better on cognitive tests on days they receive the interaction they lacked, especially if it’s with their friends.
Developing these cognitive areas can also prevent general cognitive decline – Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, and other variations of age-related cognitive complications. Compounding this with participating in exercise groups, research has shown the benefits increase exponentially, as group activities demand a high level of concentration and focus, benefitting our cognitive health. So even if it’s for a little bit, motivate yourself to phone a friend or a family consistently, and you will notice how much a small action can significantly improve your cognitive health, as well as the quality of your life.
Increase Your Social Engagement at TerraBella Windsor Lake
Social activity is only one of the many factors that contribute to your overall health. If you wish to provide the best environment to promote maximum overall health in your life but require help, consider a senior living community.
To learn more about our exclusive senior living programs at TerraBella Windsor Lake, call us at 803-902-4017 today!
