Social Gatherings at Monarch Estates Senior Living in Auburn
Social gatherings in Auburn, AL can add joy and fulfillment to your life. Resident engagement activities can support good physical, mental, and emotional health.
According to the National Institute on Aging, loneliness and social isolation pose health risks for older people. About 13.8 million older adults in the US live alone, putting them at risk of loneliness and social isolation.
People who engage in meaningful activities, on the other hand, tend to live longer. Attending social gatherings in Auburn, AL can give you a sense of belonging, potentially reducing your risk of health complications.
How can loneliness affect your health, and what are the benefits of community bonding? Read on to find out.
How Common Is Social Isolation?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in four US adults reports not having emotional or social support. Another one in three feels lonely.
Social isolation occurs when a person lacks contact with others.They may not have important relationships in their life, meaning a lack of social support.
Loneliness can cause you to feel disconnected and alone. You may think you don't have close relationships or a sense of belonging. However, even someone with many friends can feel lonely.
If you feel lonely or isolated, reach out to members of your community. Having a strong retirement social life can reduce your risk of loneliness and social isolation. Otherwise, both may increase your risk of serious health issues.
What Are the Benefits of Social Gatherings for Seniors?
Loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks for mental and physical health conditions, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cognitive decline
- Alzheimer's disease
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- A weakened immune system
- High blood pressure
Attending group activities may protect your emotional, physical, and mental health. Here are a few ways community bonding can benefit your well-being.
Emotional
According to the National Library of Medicine, depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide. It's a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. Depression is also a common mental health problem in the elderly population, though it remains undiagnosed in 50% of cases.
Common symptoms of depression include:
- Apathy (not caring about anything)
- Difficulty concentrating and other cognitive changes
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Feeling hopeless, guilty, or worthless
- Fatigue or low energy
- Irritability
- Persistent sadness
- Slower speech or movement
- Persistent digestive problems
- Physical pain that doesn't improve with treatment
- Overeating or a decrease in appetite
Visit a mental healthcare professional if you experience these symptoms. They'll determine if you have depression or another mental health condition. These symptoms can affect your quality of life.
Engaging in group activities can uplift your mood and give you a sense of belonging.Friends within your community can become your support system. They may improve your mood and quality of life, reducing your risk of depression.
Physical
Community bonding may benefit your physical health. Your friends may encourage you to make healthy habits. For example, they may help you exercise regularly or eat healthy, nutritious dishes.
Regular exercise may help:
- Improve your mood
- Strengthen your immune system
- Prevent chronic disease (including diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension)
- Ease arthritis pain
- Prevent bone loss
You can find fun exercise classes through your senior living community's fitness program.
Mental
Prioritizing senior interaction can keep your mind active. For example, your friends may teach you new skills and concepts. This can improve your neuroplasticity, allowing you to keep your mind sharp.
Otherwise, social isolation can cause stress and anxiety, which may trigger:
- Tense muscles
- An increased risk of depression
- Rapid breathing
- Stomachaches
- Headaches
- Pounding heart
- Heartburn
- Under or overeating
- Insomnia
- High blood sugar
- High blood pressure
Spending time with other seniors may help you relieve stress. Socializing may benefit your mental health and overall well-being.
Tips for Resident Engagement
Explore your senior living community to find opportunities for resident engagement. Here are a few ways you can enhance your retirement social life.
Participate in Exercise Classes
Your community's fitness program may offer group exercise classes, such as:
- Pilates
- Tai chi
- Yoga
- Water aerobics
- Swimming
- Weight lifting
- Walking or hiking groups
Your friends can hold you accountable to attend classes regularly. Their support can motivate you to improve your physical health.
Find Group Activities
Your community's events and activities calendar may offer:
- Cooking classes
- Dance classes
- Arts and crafts
- Pet therapy
- Music therapy
- Book or movie clubs
- Game nights
These events can add joy to your life. They can keep your mind engaged while giving you a sense of belonging.
Join a Support Group
Consider joining a support group through your senior living community. You can lean on other seniors who understand the feelings you're navigating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Do Seniors Go to Socialize?
Seniors socialize through:
- Community centers
- Volunteer organizations
- Religious and spiritual groups
- Libraries
- Hobby and social clubs
- Fitness centers
- Travel clubs
- Online platforms
- Senior living communities
If you're struggling to find opportunities to socialize, explore resources through your senior living community. Check their events and activities calendar for upcoming events.
What Are the Risk Factors of Social Isolation?
Health conditions and life experiences may increase your risk of loneliness and social isolation,including:
- Struggling with a long-term disability
- Having a psychiatric or depressive condition
- Struggling with a chronic disease or condition
- Facing a divorce
- Navigating the loss of a loved one
- Unemployment
- Struggling with language barriers
- Having access to limited transportation
- Living in a rural area
- Being marginalized or discriminated against
Older adults face a higher risk of social isolation. If you experience these individual risk factors, reach out to members of your Auburn community. Prioritizing resident engagement may help.
Enhance Your Retirement Social Life in Auburn, AL
Don't let loneliness or social isolation affect your well-being. Instead, enhance your retirement with social gatherings. Spending time with friends can improve your well-being and quality of life.
Monarch Estates offers Independent Living with supportive services in beautiful Auburn, AL. Our exclusive senior lifestyle programs offer mouthwatering homestyle meals, in-house activities like bingo and dance classes, fitness classes like yoga, and fun outings. Contact us now to schedule your tour.