It is a fact that in older adulthood, various losses associated with aging are experienced, such as decreased mobility, hearing, among others. As well as bereavement experiences due to the death of friends or former companions. In view of this, it is important that people do not reduce their social circles, but maintain social ties with people going through similar processes.
Senior residences provide the opportunity to share common spaces and socialize. This is a good opportunity for socializing, stimulating social interaction and generating positive experiences among residents.
Some of the benefits of older adults socializing, based on the article "the importance of socialization in the elderly" (2017), are as follows:
- Increased life expectancy: it has been found that older adults who share socially on a frequent basis tend to live longer than those who have little social contact.
- Decreases the feeling of loneliness: interacting with people who are going through the stage of older adulthood, sharing experiences and receiving advice or other points of view, protects the older adult from depression and reduces the chances of experiencing loneliness.
- Active mind: in the senior residences, residents frequently practice cognitive stimulation activities. They also work on their self-esteem, empowerment and mental health, which contributes to an active and healthy mind.
- Improves both physical and emotional well-being: socializing at this stage of life has been shown to decrease the likelihood of depression and anxiety and at the same time has positive effects on your physical health.
- Better quality of life: through the social exchange and their experiences related to old age, people experience a better concept of aging as a positive process, which has a positive impact on their quality of life.
Bibliographic references:
The importance of socialization in later life (2017). Homewatch CareGivers. Retrieved from: http://chile.hwcglat.com/2017/12/20/socializacion-en-la-tercera-edad/
