For this reason, it is important to fully come to terms with the impacts that being isolated can have on the lives of seniors as they grow older. Without emotional support, a senior can enter into a dangerous cycle of negatively internalizing feelings and avoiding social interactions.
Decisions about housing are very important when it comes to the lives of seniors, and there are many options and solutions available. These solutions run the range between living independently to living in assisted living facilities such as a nursing home or a senior community. Independent living is pretty much what it sounds like. A person lives independently in their home or in an apartment within a community. The residence, however, is modified to provide assistance for the person with certain daily tasks that may seem small, but can make a major difference in their standard of living and the safety factor therein.
During an emergency, it is especially crucial that seniors able able to communicate with others who can help. The simplest way to deal with this is to place a phone in every room. If a situation arises that requires a 911 call or what have you, the ability to reach out and grab a phone can make the difference between immediate help and a major tragedy.
But just as important as access to emergency services is active social interactions. Activities include taking on a part-time job or volunteering at a local organization that may offer opportunities to increase feelings of purpose and self-worth. Simple things such as joing a club or a hobby group can be a great way for seniors to make more friends. The internet is also a way to develop online friendships for some seniors as well. There are many online sites and chat rooms designed for retirees to cultivate friendships and even dating relationships. Sometimes chatting online is the best way for seniors who are facing serious mobility or health issues to interact with new communities. Many retirees enjoy playing games online or even enrolling in classes and educational seminars to keep busy.For those whose relatives and friends live miles away, letters and sending pictures can also help maintain relationships, as can webcam interactions for those who are technologically capable.
A small social gathering at home can help distract a worried or lonely senior from problems and the preparations can often be a fun event as well. Social activities like board games are popular with many seniors. Simply chatting with a few friends over coffee can do wonders. Any occasion to improve social connections and make sure a senior is less isolated should be embraced. For those elderly people who can, pet adoption should also be considered. Studies show that the owners of pets can have blood pressure that is lower than that of non-pet owners. Dogs, cats and even fish are proven to have calming effects on their owners and taking care of a pet is a responsibility that can make retirees feel needed. Nurturing social interaction is crucial for all humans, especially seniors. Keep in mind that for the elderly, companionship helps improve their feelings of self worth and interactions with people and pets can be crucial to improving their quality and length of life. Having this sense of being needed and loved is vital for a seniors emotional and mental health overall, and also for their overall happiness.
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One of the things that can greatly affect the ability of seniors to interact with other is problems with mobility, such as moving up and down stairs in their home. If you know a senior who is having this problem, consider installing a chair lift for stairs in their home to help. For more information visit this page: stair chair lift .
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