In some countries in the world, as many as one in three older people report feeling lonely, according to the World Health Organisation. In fact, according to a global study published in February of 2021, 40 percent of South Africans reported feeling lonely always, often, or some of the time.
Unfortunately, frequent feelings of loneliness and social isolation can have devastating effects on the mental and physical health of senior citizens such as a significantly increased risk for depression, heart disease, other mental health issues, and overall poor health.
However, there are many ways that seniors can combat this loneliness by staying socially active—Participating in the activities they love, all while making more precious memories with the people they love.
Read on to learn the benefits of being socially active as a senior, ways that you can become more socially active, and how an Acorn stairlift can help your social status soar, allowing you to blossom into the beautiful, social butterfly you’ve always been.
What Are the Benefits of Being Socially Active?
From feeling better mentally to boosting your physical health, maintaining a socially active lifestyle as a senior has many benefits that make the effort worthwhile:
- Better cognitive function
- Reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease
- Improved emotional health
- Better physical health
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular issues
- Reduces the risk of blood pressure
- Reduces the risk of arthritis
- Reduces the risk of Osteoporosis
- Stronger immune system
- Better sleep
- Happier life
How You Can Stay Social as a Senior
1. Attend Community Events or Volunteer.
It’s easy to feel isolated from the rest of the world when you do not know your own neighbours. If you want to meet new people in your area, the best way to do so is by attending events or volunteering within your community. Go on the internet and search for the events that are happening in your neighborhood.
From seeing a local play to lending a helping hand at a soup kitchen, by participating in these events, you will be able to meet more people in your community. Additionally, by getting to know those around you and helping those in need, you will feel a greater sense of belonging and purpose in your life.
2. Join a Local Senior Centre.
Senior centres are facilities designed for senior citizens that provide a wide range of social, recreational, and cultural activities, as well as promote the health and wellbeing of seniors.
If you are looking to meet people who are around your age or participate in planned activities or events, joining a senior centre is a great way to jumpstart your social circle. Search for local senior centres to start getting involved in your community.
3. Try to Get Out of the House Whenever You Can.
It’s extremely difficult to maintain a thriving social life when you haven’t even stepped foot outside of your own home.
This is why it is important that you try and get out of the house whenever you can, even if it’s just for a peaceful walk around the park or a quick trip to the supermarket. The fresh air and social interactions will refresh your spirits and make you feel more connected to your community.
4. Adopt or Foster a New, Furry Friend.
They’re not called man’s best friend for nothing. Studies have shown that owning a pet provides many benefits that can combat loneliness and the negative effects that come with constantly feeling socially isolated.
For example, owning a pet can reduce loneliness and depression, lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduce cholesterol and the risk of suffering a heart attack, boost serotonin levels, and increase physical activity.
Beyond the companionship of your furry friend, pets also provide the opportunity to get out of the house more often and meet new people, whether it’s a trip to the dog park, a walk around the block, or a visit to the vet.
To learn more about how to go about adopting or fostering a pet as a senior, you can click here.
5. Get Involved in Local Clubs or Social Groups That You Are Interested In.
Making friends with new people is much easier when you share a common interest. This is why joining a local club or social group that you are passionate about is the perfect way to meet people that are interested in the same hobbies or conversation topics as you.
Whether you love to dance, knit, learn new languages, read, play chess, or discuss films, there is something out there for everyone.
6. Spend Some Time with Family and Friends.
Life is short and precious, so make time for the people who matter most. If you have close friends or family members who live near you, get lunch with them or invite them over for a chat every now and then for some quality time together.
Even if your friends or family live far away from you, you can arrange for them to come visit you or you stay connected with them through frequent phone calls, video chats, or text messages.
How an Acorn Stairlift Can Help Your Social Status Soar
Finally, one of the most important parts of maintaining a socially active lifestyle as a senior is being able to move freely about all parts of your home, both inside and outside, so that you can soar to new heights like the social butterfly that you are. That’s where Acorn Stairlifts comes in.
Acorn’s variety of stairlift models for indoor, outdoor, curved, and straight staircases allow you and your loved ones to remain mobile and independent, having full access to all parts of your home from the top floor to the backyard.
No longer will you have to depend on someone else to assist you with going up or down the stairs. An Acorn stairlift gives you the freedom and independence to live life on your own schedule, coming and going as you please both inside and outside of your home, all while making precious memories with the ones who matter most.
Contact Acorn today to claim your free, no-obligation home stairlift quote and survey. Allow Acorn Stairlifts to lift your life with a stairlift—Start living your life to the fullest.
