The importance of socialization
Perhaps you have heard the remarkable quote from an anonymous author: “Do not regret growing older. It’s a privilege denied to many.”
There are so many things to be considered in the healthy aging process. Most of us are familiar with health issues such as blood pressure, weight, diabetes and fall prevention. One less obvious component imperative to healthy aging is socialization – connection to other people.
“Humans are tribal beings,” says Teresa Beahen Lipman, executive director for The Connection. “Isolation can affect people no longer working, who have children living far away, or with limited mobility and transportation,” she adds. The Connection designs its programming, in part, to mitigate isolation and add a layer of socialization and joy to the lives of older adults.
Imagine getting up in the morning and having the whole day ahead of you without the “burden” of work or chores – a daily gift if you are able-bodied with the means to do what you must do and. better yet, enjoy to do.
At some point in our lives it is possible that we will lose our ability to fully maneuver and perform tasks such as meal preparation, going to the grocery store, or taking a bath and getting dressed. Who wants to go grocery shopping anyway? You don’t stop shopping because you get old, you get old because you stop shopping. Suit up and show up for the day and you could add years to your life!
If for some reason you are not capable of doing that, make sure someone comes to see you! The Connection offers a Meals on Wheels program that serves as a source of good food, but also a friendly visit. As we age, our circle of friends usually becomes smaller. Make growing your circle as much a priority as a visit to the doctor and exercise.
A recent AARP article focused on a study in the American Journal of Public Health. The researchers reported that older women who maintained large social networks reduced their risk of dementia and delayed or prevented cognitive impairment.
“The results showed that women with the larger social networks were 26 percent less likely to develop dementia than those with smaller social networks. And women who had daily contact with friends and family cut their risk of dementia by almost half,” the article says.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the average life expectancy in the United States for women is 81.2 years and 76.4 years for men. One thing that is consistent in research is that the greater number of frequent social activities, the higher the odds of positive self-perceived health and the lower the odds of loneliness and life dissatisfaction. Get out there!
Please call 788-3468 for more information on how you can get involved and connected with others at The Connection.