Community Is The Key To Happiness In The Golden Years

Throughout our lives there may be times when we experience a profound sense of loneliness or isolation. For many people, loneliness will increase as we age. According to AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons), 51% of people over age 75 live alone, and a 2012 study found that 43% of people over the age of 60 report a sense of loneliness due to living alone or being confined to their home. 

It is natural to experience feelings of loss and loneliness after adult children move away, or because friends are in poor health and less able to socialize. Your own health restrictions might also limit your ability to travel far to visit friends and family. Loneliness can become all consuming, impacting your physical and mental health – but it doesn’t have to. There are ways you can build a community for yourself to lessen the feelings of loneliness and isolation.

black and white picture of older man sitting down and looking down.
Loneliness increases chances of developing clinical dementia by over 60%.

Loneliness Affects Physical and Mental Health

There have been many studies drawing connections between senior isolation and physical health issues, including obesity, high blood pressure, mobility issues, and decreased immune system, which limits the body’s ability to fight off infections. One study even reports that the impact of loneliness on mortality is comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. 

The impact on mental health is also severe. Loneliness increases chances of developing clinical dementia by over 60%. In a study of over 1000 seniors with typical brain function, those with infrequent social interactions saw 70% more cognitive decline than their more social counterparts. According to Dr. Bryan James, an epidemiologist at the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, this is because “when you use your body the way it was intended… you age better. We just aren’t meant to be disengaged from one another”. 

How To Combat Isolation

AARP reports that most seniors – as many as 90% – want to continue living in their own homes for the next 5-10 years. Many people resist the option to move into assisted living because they feel they would be giving up their independence. But because community and socialization are incredibly important to health and mental wellness, and contribute to a longer, fuller life, you may want to look into other options, like community living. 

group of older individuals walking/hiking together.
Volunteering gives a sense of accomplishment, purpose, and value.

Community living is very different from assisted living. Assisted living is for seniors who are unable to safely live by themselves. Assisted living is typically community centered, but also has varying levels of medical and staff involvement, including scheduled meal times, medicine distribution, physical support, transportation, and structured activities. Community living tends to be a bit more relaxed, offering hospitality services, as well as structured groups and leisurely activities that are encouraged, but not mandatory.  

There are other ways to combat isolation for folks who still live in their own homes: 

  • Volunteer in your community: This is a great way to get out and give back to the community. Volunteering gives a sense of accomplishment, purpose, and value. Think of a cause you care about, and there’s likely a volunteer opportunity to match. Try local libraries, hospitals, community centers, animal shelters, or schools. 
  • Join a fitness center: Work on your health while meeting people who might share similar interests. Try opting for group classes like zumba, yoga, or water aerobics. 
  • Learn something new: Most colleges and community centers offer a wide variety of adult education classes. Learn a new language, craft, or skill. You’ll meet new people and perhaps find a new passion, too! 
  • Join a club or group: Many communities have clubs for gardening, cooking, walking, or reading. Take this opportunity to find people who share your interests while doing something you love! 

    older woman with gray hair holding a white phone up to her ear.
    Reach out to friends and family on the phone or through the computer.
  • Reach out to family and friends: If the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we have a wealth of technology to keep us connected to our loved ones. Computers, phones, and tablets can all be made more accessible with built-in tools, and they’re a great method for staying connected to family and friends if they live far away. Try connecting through social media, video chats, or email. 

As humans, we rely on connectivity to feed our souls. Community (along with opposable thumbs!) is one of the main differences between us and the chimpanzees with whom we share the majority of our DNA. When isolated, we can experience declines in mental health, cognitive ability, and even physical wellness. Luckily, we can combat these issues through community ties and social engagement. With a greater connection to the community around them, seniors will see improvements in health, cognitive ability, and even longevity. With so many ways to stay connected to loved ones, meet new friends, and contribute to your community, nobody should feel isolated or lonely.

2019 Top Easy Exercise For Seniors

Physical activity is beneficial for seniors to help prevent a lot of serious health conditions such as heart disease, and a stroke. Physical activity can be any activity that raises your heart rate and builds aerobic endurance. After 4-6 weeks of consistent exercise, you will feel more comfortable doing your work out and carrying on with your day. Regular fitness will help you feel better and help control your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight.

Exercising has many health benefits for seniors.
Exercising has many health benefits for seniors.

Your muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones will become stronger, which is important to continue day to day activities as you continue to age. You should always consult with your doctor when beginning a regime so they can guide you through workouts for your needs.

Benefits

Regular exercise has proven to:

  •         Maintain weight and burn excess calories
  •         Build endurance
  •         Help reduce falls and injuries
  •         Boost mood and quality of sleep
  •         Improve cholesterol levels
  •         Produce optimum heart health, lung, bones, muscles, and vascular system by delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues.

Start Slow

If you have not been physically active, it is important to start slow and gradually build your endurance, and strength. Begin with walking for 5-10 minutes every day if possible, and over sometimes increase it to 30 minutes at a time. Once you are able to go 30 minutes at a time, you can add more challenges.

Check Your Heart Rate

When you exercise regularly, you increase your heart's health.
When you exercise regularly, you increase your heart’s health.

Exercise should increase your heart rate to about 75% of the maximum predicted heart rate. A simple way to calculate this is to subtract your age from 220 to get your maximum heart rate. For example, at the age of 70, the maximum heart rate target is 150. When starting to work out, it is safe to start with a low target of about 78-80 beats per minute, and then work your way up after a couple of weeks.

Remember to always start slow and safe with exercises such as walking, or swimming, and then over time add more challenges to your routine, such as balance, flexibility and resistance exercises.

If you experience any form of chest pain/tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or faintness during or after your exercise, stop immediately. Do not continue any exercises, and notify your doctor.

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