Why is socializing important for older adults? Technically socializing is important for everyone, from children to adults, regardless of age. People are made to be social human beings as we all tend to function better in a community setting. However, studies have shown that around 43% of seniors regularly experience loneliness. With that in mind, one of the biggest things you can do to prevent loneliness is to move into a Kamloops independent or assisted living community. At The Residence, you will always have the convenience of staying engaged with other residents whenever you want.
Here is what you need to know about how socializing at a Kamloops independent or assisted living community benefits your mental health:
Helps avoid health concerns
Right off the bat, it’s important to know that the lack of socializing (also known as social isolation) affects almost all aspects of your daily life. It begins by first affecting your mood and mental health, which often ends up affecting your physical health due to the lack of motivation. Those that don’t socialize as much are more likely to suffer from the following health concerns: hypertension, anxiety, cardiac failure, alzheimers and other forms of dementia, depression, and coronary artery disease. There are also studies that show older adults who lack socialization have been associated with physical inactivity.
Mental health benefits in seniors
Socializing has shown to be one of the most effective ways to benefit your mental health. While struggling with mental health, it often leads to an increase in severity of chronic illnesses, worsens disability, and also concerns your family and friends. To avoid all that, it’s crucial to understand that socialization improves cognition, mood, memory recall, and is also associated with healthy behaviours such as an increase in physical activity and exercise.
Promoting socialization at a Kamloops independent or assisted living community
Sometimes encouraging social interaction might be the tricky part as you might not know where or how to begin. One of the best and easiest ways to promote socialization is to spend more time in other common areas at the Kamloops independent or assisted living community, instead of your suite. That way, you are more likely to strike up a conversation with another resident and may even get into an animated conversation with them. You don’t actively have to try and constantly put yourself out there, you can simply grab a good book and read it somewhere open and somebody might simply ask you what you are reading. You can use one of the on-site amenities and socialize with those also in the area.
Examples of social activities at The Residence
One of the best things about living at The Residence is the monthly planned recreation activities that are organized by keeping socialization in mind. Besides having entertainment every Thursday for Happy Hour, there are also meetings, brunches, and even socials that you can attend. If you like playing board games, Fridays are usually dedicated to playing Pictionary at 2pm in the Dining Room. If you prefer something more physical, you can join other residents as they do some cardio drumming in the mornings on Tuesdays and Fridays, or even attend Michelle’s Fitness classes every Monday at 1:30pm in the Library on the second floor. All these activities are opportunities for socializing with other residents.
At The Residence at Orchards Walk in Kamloops, we always have something for you to do. The Residence offers exceptional amenities such as an open seating a la carte style restaurant with meals prepared by our hospitality team. With several floor plans to choose from, all suites also feature 24 hour security with your monthly membership as well as weekly housekeeping. Want to learn more? One bedroom suites available now. Call 778-362-9525 to book a tour, check out our Facebook, or email The Residence at sales@theresidencekamloops.com