The Many Ways Socializing Improves Seniors’ Health

A UCSF Division of Geriatrics study found 43 percent of seniors report regularly experiencing loneliness. Mayo clinic psychologist, Dr. Craig Sawchuk, Ph.D., explains why this can be a problem. He says as “social animals by nature; we tend to function better when we’re in a community setting and being around others.” 

Several studies report a link between social isolation and an increased risk of disease including one from the Academy of Science, which found loneliness can lead to higher rates of poor physical and mental health. Health concerns for isolated adults include hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiac failure, depression, anxiety and Alzheimer’s disease. 

It becomes harder for seniors who live alone to socialize as they get into their upper 70s or 80s as many stop driving and/or suffer from chronic health problems affecting their mobility. Other contributing issues to loneliness in the elderly may include the death of a spouse or close family members and friends. 

To emphasize how important socialization is for older adults, the American Public Health Association explains the most effective way for seniors to improve their health is to increase socialization. They report “socialization improves mood, cognition, memory recall, and is associated with healthy behaviors, including exercise.”

For built-in companionship, senior care services, luxury amenities, and signature wellness programs and activities, we recommend taking a look at San Jose’s newest senior living community, MorningStar of San Jose. Our community offers 69 assisted living suites in various floor plans as well as holistic memory care for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases in our distinct Reflections Neighborhood. 

While we are a brand new community, we are not new to senior living as our parent company; MorningStar Senior Living has dozens of communities across the Western US. Please contact us to learn more about availability at the finest assisted living and memory care San Jose offers and ask about exclusive savings for early depositors with our Move-in Specials. We open to residents in the spring of 2023 and look forward to welcoming you to our loving MorningStar family.

Source: seniorlifestyle.com/resources/blog/the-mental-health-benefits-of-socializing-for-seniors/#:~:text=Fortunately%2C%20socialization%20has%20been%20shown,with%20healthy%20behaviors%2C%20including%20exercise.