How Assisted Living Socialization Can Improve Your Health
Socializing is fun for most extroverted people, but did you know it’s a necessity as we grow older? Making time to be social has been proven to have positive effects on both our mental and physical health. Socializing also reduces negative feelings that are all too common to the senior population, like loneliness, anxiety, hopelessness, and depression. However, being social can be hard if you’re living away from family and are not a part of a senior community filled with individuals with like-minded interests. If you or a loved one are contemplating a move into assisted living, here are some ways socializing in assisted living can have a positive impact on your health.
Less stress. Seniors who are socially active in assisted living handle stress better and actually experience fewer stressors in general. In assisted living communities like UMC at Pitman, associates are onsite 24/7 to help residents with daily activities like cleaning, meal preparation, and getting ready for the day. With daily chores taken care of and the relinquishing of homeowner responsibilities, seniors in assisted living have less to worry about and more time to relax and do the things they enjoy.
Improved diet. As we briefly mentioned, staff members in assisted living are available to help residents with meal preparation. It’s also important to note that most progressive assisted living communities offer nutritious meal plans, meaning residents have the opportunity to eat three square meals a day in a community dining area. Sharing a meal with friends not only boosts morale but also motivates seniors to eat better.
More opportunities to workout. Assisted living communities often have spaces dedicated to working out. Whether it’s a state-of-the-art fitness center or a room designated for group classes like yoga, a thriving community knows the importance fitness has on a senior’s physical and mental health. UMC in particular offers fun classes residents can take as a group, such as Zumba, chair yoga, and mindfulness. We find that these group classes are also essential for socialization. Senior residents keep each other accountable by making sure their friends come to weekly classes and even make plans to grab something to eat together after the class ends.
Better state of mind. Mental health issues in seniors are not something to be taken lightly. Older adults who are not socially active often experience cognitive decline and depression. Consistent social interaction helps keep dementia, depression, and anxiety symptoms at bay. Despite some seniors’ initial resistance, assisted living communities are actually the best place to find consistent socialization due to their heavy emphasis on activity calendars. For example, UMC at Pitman offers daily fitness classes, fun themed days, arts and crafts, live outdoor entertainment, and clubs dedicated to specific interests like reading. With so many opportunities to socialize, it becomes easier for seniors to establish a social routine they love and more importantly – to stick with it.
Active Community Life in Gloucester County, NJ
Making the transition to assisted living can be an adjustment, but when you retire in a great town like Pitman, NJ, you’ll be sure to find that making new friends comes easily with all the fun activities available onsite. Our assisted living residents also have access to all the activities the surrounding community offers, through onsite transportation options.
If you’d like to see if we’re the right assisted living option in Gloucester County, New Jersey, or would like more information about our active community life, please visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/pitman/
