More than one-third of older adults in Central Indiana live alone. That number only increases with age, and roughly half of households with older adults have married couples. A very small percentage live with grandchildren.
For those who live completely alone, proper socialization suffers. The well-being of seniors relies on being able to not only get the help they need but also have someone to engage with. Losing that connection can result in depression, anxiety, and worsened physical health.
Here's why a senior living community in Huntington, IN, may be exactly what your loved one needs.
Social engagement in senior living is important for a few different reasons. It helps to keep seniors both mentally and physically active, allows them to relieve stress, and can introduce new activities into their lives. Staying social is also helpful for creating awareness and keeping each other accountable for things like fitness and mental health.
Social interaction has been shown to have a significant impact on mental health. Engaging in conversations, participating in group activities, and building relationships keep your brain engaged.
It can help reduce feelings of loneliness and depression. You may also find that social interaction helps seniors maintain cognitive function and mental clarity.
In fact, studies show that strong social ties and activities can reduce the risk of dementia and other cognitive impairments. When people are lonely, the risk of dementia rises by as much as 40%.
Social activity isn't only about communicating with others and staying connected to your peers. It's also about opportunities to get up, go out, and move your body.
Socially active seniors also tend to be more physically active. That's because many of these activities are group activities, outdoor activities, or promote movement in some other way.
For example, walking, dancing, and swimming are some of the more common ways a senior can stay active. It's easier to get into these activities in a group that can encourage one another and hold each other responsible.
Physical engagement can lead to a stronger immune system, improved mobility, as well as better cardiovascular health.
Emotional well-being is an important area where social interaction can help.
The transition into an assisted living community isn't always the easiest thing. Seniors may have to move away from their family members or leave behind a home they've lived in for decades. The best way to avoid depression and a feeling of isolation is by becoming part of their community.
When a person becomes part of a community, they can get emotional support from their friends and peers. Recreational activities can keep them distracted and give them a personal goal to aspire to. Huntington, IN, senior care may also prove more substantial than what they received at home.
Outside of a senior's physical and mental health, socialization can lead to a person discovering new and fun activities.
For example, it's possible that a senior moves into a community from a busier part of the city. Now that they're outside of the city, they can have opportunities to garden, take long walks in the park, or visit some local attractions.
Socialization in an assisted living community could take the form of joining yoga groups or playing new board games. There's ample opportunity to explore new activities and hobbies when you have the community's support.
A person's daily routine is important when they move into an assisted living community. Ideally, each senior will incorporate physical activity, healthy eating, and time for their hobbies.
Part of that routine should include social interaction, in which there is plenty of opportunity. It may take the form of cultural programs, social events, or other activities unique to your community.
Recreational activities are a cornerstone of social engagement in any senior living community. There needs to be something to fill up each day and promote socialization.
Some of the most common activities seniors will organize include gardening and walking clubs. They might start yoga or swim classes to stay physically active.
It all depends on what the people want out of their community.
On the more artistic side, seniors might show more interest in painting or playing music. These cultural programs can include things like guest lecturers and book clubs. The goal is to provide mental stimulation that enriches their lives in addition to entertaining them.
More importantly, some educational programs can help seniors connect to local customs and the people in their city.
Social events and gatherings are key for building a sense of community among residents. A senior living community in Huntington, IN might set up holiday parties, themed dinners, or even movie nights. It would utilize a public space, such as a clubhouse, for many of these events.
The community could even use events in the city around it. There would be many cultural and educational opportunities hosted by museums, parks, and other city locations.
Any senior who wanted to stay involved in their community would have plenty of volunteer opportunities. They could help with community projects, mentor teens, and participate in charity events. If there's a big church presence in town, then they'll likely spend much of their time helping them.
Intergenerational programs are all about bringing together seniors and younger generations. This is important, as younger people can help seniors feel more youthful and filled with energy.
Seniors can learn from younger participants as well as pass on knowledge and wisdom.
A senior living community in Huntington, IN, isn't all about putting your loved one in a home for someone else to care for them. Many seniors find their new community to be a second chance at life. It provides opportunities for them to socialize more, improve their health, and be more active in their communities.
Tipton Place Assisted Living Community provides assisted living and respite care for seniors in the Huntington area. We're dedicated to helping our residents thrive in both mind and body. Contact us with any questions and to set up a visit.