Social relationships are important at all stages of life, but in older people they are essential to avoid social isolation and maintain active aging, which improves physical and emotional well-being.
It has been shown that social relationships in older people help improve cardiovascular health, achieve a stronger immune system, control chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, and even prevent depression or anxiety.
In addition, social relationships at this stage of life help people to be more independent, decisive, and able to improve their cognitive abilities. Since there are so many benefits of social relationships in older adults, in this post we will give you some examples of activities to promote them.
Despite potential physical limitations and lifestyle changes, older people can maintain a variety of social relationships that contribute to their well-being and quality of life.
Family relationships
Family relationships are essential, as they provide emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. Having the support, love and respect of the family provides a lot of security to the elderly person, as it makes them feel very protected. We talk about relationships with spouses, children, grandchildren and other close relatives.
However, it must be understood that with aging it is common for some family members, and even a spouse, to die, which can lead to the loss of essential social connections. In these cases, the support of the rest of the family allows the pain of the loss to be shared and makes the older person feel less alone and distressed.
For all these reasons, it is important that we maintain and even increase contact with our elders so that they do not feel alone and know that they have a family to lean on.
Friendships
Friendships also play a crucial role in the social life of older people. They can be lifelong friends with whom to share memories and confidences, but they can also be new acquaintances, activity partners, neighbors. Without a doubt, these relationships offer the opportunity to share interests, experiences and recreational activities.
Social relations
Older people can participate in various social or volunteer activities that take place in retirement centers, religious groups, etc. These relationships, in addition to providing a social connection with other people, also make the person feel comforted, useful and motivated, which improves their self-esteem.
Intergenerational relationships
Social relationships between older people and children or young people provide values and enrich each other’s perspective when it comes to solving different vital issues, since it is a meeting point in which to share experiences and experiences.
Studymates
Despite retirement, older people can continue training in courses, workshops and even at the university for seniors. These activities, in addition to slowing down cognitive deterioration, also promote social relationships between peers.
Residence companions
Also in residences it is possible to create new social relationships in older people. In addition to meeting the rest of the residents with whom to share different activities, social relationships are also created with the center staff based on communication and the bond created through daily care.
Fostering social relationships in older people is essential for their well-being. Whether or not there is some degree of physical, mental or sensory disability, we must try to prevent the person from suffering from social isolation, something that is more common among older people who live alone
Here we propose some activities to promote social relationships in older people:
Creative classes and workshops
Classes and workshops in cooking, gardening, music, yoga, crafts or painting are activities that provide opportunities to learn something new and improve social skills in older people.
Exercise and physical activities
Another activity to promote social relationships in older people consists of creating exercise groups adapted to the needs of the participants, such as walks, gentle yoga classes, tai chi or dance. Group exercise not only promotes physical health, but also encourages socialization and camaraderie.
Excursions and trips
Outings to places of interest, natural parks, museums or short trips offer our seniors the opportunity to socialize with other people while exploring new experiences together.
Volunteer programs
When older people participate in volunteer programs, in addition to contributing socially, it also helps them meet other people with similar interests.
Board games and recreational activities
Classic board games offer a fun and stimulating way for seniors to interact socially. Activities such as chess, checkers, dominoes, and cards not only provide entertainment, but also foster communication and camaraderie among participants. Hosting friendly competitions adds excitement and a sense of community while enjoying these games.
To improve social relationships in older people, it is also advisable to improve their knowledge of technology and social networks. In this way we make it easier for the elderly to stay connected with friends, children, grandchildren and other family members
We offer different environments to promote social relationships in seniors. Daily interaction with other residents, as well as with nursing home staff, provides emotional support and, at the same time, reduces the feeling of loneliness by promoting a sense of belonging. In addition, we organize different recreational activities and social events that promote physical and mental well-being while stimulating the mind and body. By participating in board games, friendly competitions, cultural activities, and other forms of entertainment, residents enjoy moments of shared joy and create lasting, satisfying bonds.
If you want more information about the NAMI Day Centers and Residences and the importance we give to social relationships in people older people and the promotion of active aging, do not hesitate to contact us.
