The Older Americans 2016 study is a compilation of statistics gathered by several government agencies. Key agencies include the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Social Security Information.
Socialization is critical to well-being. One thing the study found is that the older people get, the less they seem to socialize. The study found that of those ages 55 to 64, approximately 11 percent said they socialize. By the time people are 75 or older, socialization rates fell to about 9 percent.
Why is Socialization Important?
Social gatherings help boost self-confidence. Being surrounded by people who agree with what your mom and dad do or say can make them feel valuable and affirmed. It increases pride. This boosts the helpful brain chemicals that prevent depression and anxiety. With higher levels of those chemicals, the body can find it easier to battle some illnesses like colds or the flu.
Other studies have found that regular socialization can help lower the risk of dementia. A four-year study released in the American Journal of Public Health looked at 2,249 women in California. Those who actively socialized with a large number of friends had much lower rates of cognitive impairment and dementia.
How Do You Make Sure Your Parent Socializes?
Some of the reasons seniors give for not socializing include not being able to drive outside of the daytime or not driving at all. Some report they don’t have friends in the area or have many friends who are still living.
Look at your parents’ situations. After retirement, it’s easy to lose track of friends. They may move to other states to be in a warmer climate. Some move to save money with a lower cost of living. It may be time for them to make new friends.
A senior center is one place where they can meet others there age. Senior centers hold regular activities to boost socialization. Your mom and dad might want to go for lunch, attend an exercise class, or join a book reading group. All of these provide a way for your parents to make new friends and socialize on a regular basis.
To get to a senior center, your parents may need to drive. If they can’t, you don’t have to take time off. Senior care services provided by caregivers include transportation. A caregiver can drop your parent off, run errands for them, and return later to pick them up. While your parents are having fun, a caregiver can go pick up prescriptions or shop for groceries.
Learn more about the many ways caregivers help seniors. From housework to transportation and laundry to socialization, caregivers help your parents’ overall well-being. Call a senior care agency to find out more.
If you or a family member are in need of Senior Care in Coral Springs, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770.
Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.
Sources:
Agingstats.gov
Aarp.org
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