It is important that elderly adults stay socially engaged. In fact, research shows that elderly adults that are socially active have a better chance of living longer. If you want the best for your elderly loved one, there are some ways that you can help them to stay socially engaged. As their caregiver have them partake in these tips, you can see a positive impact on their life.
Senior Citizen Groups
One of the ways that you can keep your loved one socially engaged is by having them join senior citizen groups. You can check at the local community center for senior citizen groups. There are also lists online of these groups in certain areas. Many churches also have groups where senior citizens can meet up, as well. Getting your loved one into a group can help them to socialize on a regular basis.
Volunteering
Another way for your loved one to stay socially engaged is by having them start volunteering. If you can’t take them to their volunteering gig, their caregivers should be able to do so. Volunteering not only helps your loved one to stay socially engaged, but it also helps them to feel better about themselves, as well. This increased sense of self-worth can make all the difference in your loved one’s life.
Fitness Programs or Classes
Your loved one might also enjoy joining fitness programs at the local community center. They can workout with others their age and socialize with them at the same time. In addition, it might help your loved one to take classes at a local community college. This way they can be around others and continue learning things, too. Both of these things can help your loved one to live longer and feel better about themselves.
Book Club
Your loved one might want to join a book club. They can check at the local library to see if there are already book clubs set up. If so, they can see if they would be able to join one. If there aren’t book clubs set up yet, they can create one. This will allow your loved one to get together with others at least once a month, if not more.
Interest Groups
Your loved one can also check into interest groups. If you look online, you might be able to find some of these in your loved one’s area. For instance, they might be interested in gardening. There might be people who meet up in the area to talk about gardening or who even garden together.
These are some of the ways you can help your elderly loved one to stay socially engaged. Remember, staying socially engaged is not only going to help your loved one feel better, but it could help them live longer, as well.
Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/about/living-long-well-21st-century-strategic-directions-research-aging/research-suggests-positive