From a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease to a stronger immune system, numerous studies show staying socially active in the golden years offers multiple health benefits. Helping your elderly family member develop and maintain social connections is one of the best ways to ensure your loved one lives a long and fulfilling life. Here are a few of the main benefits of senior socialization.
Overall Health Benefits
Some of the scientifically proven benefits of social interaction include a reduced risk of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, and cardiovascular problems. Something as simple as holding hands has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce pain. Conversely, researchers have found social isolation leads to high blood pressure, less physical activity, and feelings of loneliness and depression.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional homecare. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Better Mood
One way to study the correlation between emotions and heart health is to measure the amount of activity of the vagus nerve, which regulates heart rate and is engaged by positive emotions. According to a 2013 study published in Psychological Science, social interaction boosts vagal tone, or the nerve’s functionality. Researchers described the effect as an “upward spiral” resulting in increasingly positive emotions, more frequent social interactions, and better heart health.
For families living in Miami, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Longer Life Span
Maintaining strong social relationships can increase a senior’s odds of survival by as much as 50 percent, according to a Brigham Young University study published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS Medicine. The analysis of 148 previously published studies found that when it comes to risk factors for early death, low social interaction was equivalent to excessive drinking, smoking, lack of exercise, and obesity. Whether through engaging with others at a senior center or enjoying a chatty walk with a family member, social activity helps seniors live longer and better lives.
Professional caregivers can provide the companionship and social interaction elderly people need to live long, happy, and healthy lives. The type of home care Miami seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. To learn more about our premier in-home care plans, call us today.
