As we get older, various circumstances often align to make us spend more time alone. Friends and family move or pass away, we lose some of our motivations for meeting new people, and it gets increasingly difficult to break our routines. Spending time alone can be part of a happy, healthy life, and retirement often brings some welcome peace & quiet. However, no matter your age, it’s difficult to overstate the importance of community and social connections. Therefore, for this week’s blog, we’re discussing some of the effects of social isolation and considering ways to combat it.
It makes sense that social isolation can easily lead to mental health issues like depression, but living without adequate social support can also be physically hazardous. Research by the National Institutes of Health suggests that social isolation can have “a profound negative effect on longevity and physical and mental health” among seniors. Fatigue and trouble sleeping are common among people who experience increased loneliness, and these issues can lead to increased stress levels and a number of related medical problems. Furthermore, socially isolated seniors are more likely to lead sedentary lifestyles, a major contributor to poor health. Additionally, these things can result in type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, weight gain & obesity, substance abuse, and more.
In addition to their health, seniors’ pocketbooks can suffer as a result of being alone. Senior or not, anyone who’s detached from their peers, family, or community is more likely to entertain and fall victim to scams. When we’re lonely, we tend to be more trusting and willing to suspend skepticism about deceptive tactics. If you’re experiencing poor health and/or not getting adequate sleep, your susceptibility to deception will likely only be amplified. Because seniors are more likely than younger people to experience social isolation, people over 65 are more frequently targeted for scams.
The negative effects that social seclusion can have on one’s mental, physical, and/or financial health make socialization essential for seniors. The Corso Atlanta community exists to address many of the social difficulties that often come with age, and we offer several ways of meeting new people and socializing with your peers, including:
- health spa & fitness centers
- social events
- holiday events
- restaurant-style dining events
- shopping trips
- movies nights
- pet park
- barber/salon services
- …and much more
Here at Corso Atlanta, we offer truly independent senior living options that allow you to socialize with others whenever you choose. If you’re interested in learning more about assisted living, independent living, memory care, or any of the many programs, activities, and living options we offer, please contact Corso Atlanta for more information. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for updates and to check back soon for new blogs.