Years ago, we enjoyed Sunday dinners with the whole family gathered– often in the dozens – to share a meal, play games and savor one another’s company. We participated in neighborhood bowling leagues, cook-outs, church groups and bunco nights. Those days were so busy and fulfilling, packed with people, laughter and fun.
Now, family may be scattered across the country, and friends have passed away or moved to warmer climes. Days are quiet and whole weeks can pass before there is meaningful interaction with other people.
Social isolation and loneliness impact our mental, cognitive and physical health. About 25% of Americans age 65 or older are affected by loneliness and social isolation. While not exactly the same, they are closely related. Social isolation happens when seniors interact with just a few people, and not very often at that. Loneliness is the feeling of being alone, which can happen even in large groups of people.
Companionship, the feeling of friendship and fellowship, is the perfect antidote for social isolation and loneliness. It is a “balm for the soul.”
Having people around you who are happy to see you each day and interested in what you have to say can have significant benefits for mental health. Having friends reduces the incidence of depression and anxiety in seniors. Interacting with other people, even if it’s just a friendly crossword puzzle competition, enhances and improves mood, providing a goal and a feeling of accomplishment. Connections and companionship help seniors relieve anxiety and feel less threatened in their personal safety by building trust.
Studies show that when people are immersed in social groups, dining together, sharing stories, games and new experiences, they are less likely to suffer from cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Companions, and the interactions and activities surrounding these relationships, keep the mind sharp to continue performing everyday tasks that help us maintain independence, like bill-paying and driving.
Friends actually strengthen the immune system! People with vibrant social connections are less likely to smoke and to consume alcohol. They have a lower risk of heart disease and hypertension.
People with companions are also more likely to maintain a healthy weight as they tend to be more physically active; it’s so much easier to take a walk when a friend is there to accompany you. More exercise also helps reduce depression and anxiety, and improves your cognitive functioning. Exercise improves muscle strength, bone strength, balance and overall coordination, lowering the risk of life-changing falls. Increasing physical activity lowers the risk of certain types of cancer including bladder, colon, kidney, lung and stomach.
People with companionship sleep better overall, which helps lower the risk of obesity and improves the metabolism. Better sleep means reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes and lower stress levels, which reduces inflammation in the body, improving cardiovascular health. Being well-rested means a lower risk of falls as you are more alert.
Companionship can also mean interacting with people who provide compassionate care , even if it’s just assistance with medication management. Caregiving companions can help seniors wake and get dressed so they are more inclined to participate in social activities. Companions can encourage seniors to reignite an old passion for a forgotten hobby, or help find something new that will spark interest and engagement. Caregiving companions help build trust in others by ensuring personal safety while completing daily activities and monitoring physical health to intervene before small issues become crises.
Perhaps most of all, companions help us all maintain social connections and engagement. The earliest studies on social engagement, over 45 years ago, showed that people with social connections live longer than those without these connections. Follow up studies have verified that data over and over again. Companionship gives us a sense of purpose, a feeling of control and independence, and more self-confidence.
Within a senior living community, residents find interesting, lively conversation with heart-felt friends, intriguing games and activities providing mental and physical challenges, and compassionate caregiving companions. A senior living community helps us move past the memories of family Sunday dinners and into an updated environment of new companionship, affection and friendship can help improve mental health, cognitive health, and physical health.