Social events in Independence, IA can enhance your mood, health, and overall well-being. You can find fun resident engagement opportunities through your local senior living community.
According to the National Institute on Aging, about 13.8 million older adults (28% of seniors) live alone. These seniors are at risk of social isolation and loneliness. Isolation and loneliness are linked to a risk of physical and mental health conditions.
Instead of aging alone, consider attending social events in Independence, IA. Maintaining an interactive lifestyle can benefit your health and quality of life.
Why are senior gatherings important, and how can you start socializing? Read on to find out!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 33% of American adults report feeling lonely. About 25% report not having any emotional or social support.
Social isolation indicates a person lacks relationships or contacts with other people. It can pose a health risk, even if you don't feel lonely.
Loneliness is feeling disconnected from others or alone. You can still feel lonely, even if you have a lot of friends.
Both loneliness and social isolation can affect your ability to connect socially. This lack of community connection can become detrimental to your overall health and quality of life.
Remember, social isolation and loneliness can increase your risk of mental and physical health issues, including:
Resident engagement can benefit your overall well-being. You can age in Independence, IA, feeling your best. Here are more ways engagement can enhance your emotional, mental, and physical health.
According to the National Library of Medicine, depression is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. It's also a leading cause of disability and is common among seniors. However, half of all cases remain undiagnosed.
Depression can affect your health and well-being by causing:
Lonely or isolated seniors are at a higher risk of experiencing symptoms. If these symptoms sound familiar, consult a mental healthcare professional.
Engaging in social events can improve your emotional health. Your friends will support you and uplift your mood. They can enhance your emotional health, potentially reducing your risk of depression.
Socializing may improve your cognitive and mental health.For example, engaging in activities and learning skills can help new neural pathways form. This can help you maintain mental acuity.
Socializing can also ease feelings of stress and anxiety. Alleviating stress can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
The next time you feel stressed, reach out to members of your Independence, IA community. Maintaining an interactive lifestyle will give you opportunities to alleviate stress.
Spending time with other seniors can encourage you to make healthier lifestyle choices. For example, your friends may encourage you to exercise more often. Regular exercise can reduce your risk of:
Exercising regularly may help ease pain. It encourages the production of neurotransmitters that may improve your mood.
You can find fun senior gatherings through your local senior living community's events and activities calendar. For exercise classes, explore your community's fitness program. They may offer:
Look for fun activities related to your hobbies or interests. These may include:
Add a variety of different activities to your routine. To give back to your community, consider volunteering. Volunteering can boost your self-esteem and give you a sense of purpose in life.
Try learning something new or engaging in memory care activities like puzzles. Developing new skills will keep your mind sharp, reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
As you engage in these activities, try sparking conversation with other seniors. If you're nervous, consider:
You can find senior gatherings at:
Explore your senior living community's monthly events and activities calendar. You can find fun social gatherings designed with seniors in mind. These activities can help you make and maintain social connections.
Common individual risk factors for social isolation and loneliness can include:
Older adults are at a higher risk of social isolation and loneliness. If you're at risk, reach out to members of your Independence, IA community. Engaging in senior gatherings can foster a sense of belonging within your community.
Attending social events can boost your mood, improve your health, and extend your longevity. Remember, you can find fun opportunities to socialize through your senior living community.
At Prairie Hills at Independence, we provide personalized care plans tailored to meet all of your senior living needs. We offer chef-prepared homestyle dining with tableside service, engaging activities like trips to museums and movies, and exercise classes to help you live your best life. Contact us now to schedule your tour.