Senior Living
Social Connections in Senior Living
Feeling lonely and isolated is not uncommon for older adults. Shrinking social circles, poor health, living alone and being unable to drive all contribute to senior isolation. A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) found that one-third of adults aged 65 and older are socially isolated.
Not only does social isolation take a toll on a person’s mental health but also their physical health. Research shows that isolation is linked to an increased risk for dementia, heart disease, stroke, mental illness and early death. This is certainly not positive news, but the good thing is that senior isolation can be prevented.
To address the issue of senior loneliness and isolation, more people are choosing to move into active retirement communities in Conejo Valley. These facilities provide a wide range of activities for residents to enjoy, including music and art classes, fitness classes, spiritual workshops, transportation to nearby shopping and more.
Let’s explore more on the importance of social health for seniors and what to look for when choosing an assisted living community in Simi Valley.
Why Social Health is Important for Older Adults
Everyone needs human interaction. When people are young, interaction is naturally built into their schedules. Young people are going to school, working, dating, raising families and spending time with friends, neighbors and coworkers.
Additionally, young people have a good understanding of the risks and symptoms of mood disorders and how to seek treatment. Older adults, however, often don’t realize that what they’re struggling with is depression. They often attribute the signs of depression as being part of the natural aging process.
Some seniors become depressed because they are alone and not engaged with others like you would typically find at senior living communities in Ventura County. Others isolate themselves because they feel depressed. Unfortunately, being lonely and isolated increases the body’s inflammatory response and worsens symptoms of Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis and even some cancers.
Bottom line: staying social is a key part of having a healthy and fulfilled life after retirement.
What are the Benefits of Staying Socially Connected?
Research links active social lives with improved cognitive and thinking skills, greater immunity to infectious diseases and better cardiovascular outcomes. We all want to belong, and having others in our lives gives us a sense of purpose and belonging that leads to better health and improved outcomes.
Let’s look closer at the benefits of being socially connected:
- Increased happiness
- Improved physical health
- Boosted mental health
- Longer lifespan
- Lowered risk of suicide
- Sense of purpose
Senior Housing in Simi Valley: Is This the Key to Living Longer and Happier?
Life changes after retirement. Many people don’t have the same busy calendars as they used to. And while it’s nice to take a break after decades of working, getting older can also mean changing social circles, younger family members with their own lives and careers, an increase in health problems, a fixed income and other changes.
All of these factors make it difficult to have an active social life within the same home and neighborhood. Luckily, Simi Valley senior retirement communities are changing the future. While these communities have been around for a while, they’ve never been as advanced and luxurious as they are today.
More than a place to grow older and get supportive care, senior living facilities provide a safe, secure environment where residents can lead a rich and full life. There are numerous opportunities to spend time with friends without having to worry about transportation, entertainment, family dynamics and other limitations. There is always something to do and someone to talk to!
Opportunities for Social Connections in Assisted Living
So what types of activities are offered in memory care in Simi Valley? It all depends on the community you choose. Some communities offer a few planned activities each day with lots of free time while others have full schedules that let residents choose what they want to participate in.
Not only are there planned activities but also opportunities to spend time the way you want. Varenita of Simi Valley offers resort-style living in beautiful Ventura County. Our goal is to provide residents with everything they need to live their best lives. On any given day, residents can participate in the following types of social activities:
- Social, educational and spiritual programs
- Anytime dining from 7am-7pm
- Bistro and lounges for coffee or adult beverages
- Personalized fitness and wellness classes
- Art studio and game rooms
- Outdoor activities like walking, relaxing on the patio or grilling
- Salon and spa for a day of pampering
Meet Others and Tour Varenita of Simi Valley Today
Many seniors have a tough time maintaining a socially active lifestyle. However, moving into Simi Valley senior retirement communities is an excellent way to ensure your life stays vibrant and you continue to build connections with others. To learn more about Varenita of Simi Valley, or to tour our community at your convenience, contact us today.