The health of our social lives has come into focus in recent years. Loneliness and social isolation have been found to have a severe impact on our physical and emotional health. Some health experts have even said that the negative consequences can shorten lifespans. As older adults and seniors face higher risk factors of being lonely or socially isolated, there has been an increased effort to help them stay connected with others.
How does social health affect physical health? And what can we do to foster connections? This Kingsway guide will go over the risks of loneliness and social isolation, and ways to stay connected.
Social Health
People’s social connections play a big role in what kind of habits they have. This includes healthy and unhealthy habits: your diet, your exercise routines, how much you drink or smoke, and how much sleep you get are only some of the habits affected.
But in recent years, researchers have found deeper, direct ties between people’s physical health and their social health. Social and emotional health can activate the same physical responses from the body as physical afflictions. Loneliness and social isolation in particular are associated with dozens of adverse health effects, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Weakened immune function
- Cognitive decline
- Dementia, including Alzheimer's-related dementia
- Premature death
Meanwhile, building healthy social connections provides many positive health effects. They include:
- Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
- Stronger immune system
- Lower risks of chronic disease, including diabetes and heart disease
- Higher cognitive abilities
Staying Connected
Luckily, there are many ways to stay connected to others today! Below are only some of the ways to stay connected with others, whether they be family and friends or the greater community.
- Schedule times to stay in touch with others. It’s easier to stay in touch with people if you have a dedicated time to do so. The method you use to connect can be whichever one you choose; consistency is what matters.
- Find an activity and join the related community. Today, one can find a community for just about anything! Whether there is a new activity you want to try or an old hobby you want to jump back into, you are sure to find other people who are also interested.
- Join an activity group or class. Groups and classes naturally bring people together for a common goal. Many local colleges offer classes that older adults and seniors can sign up for. Exercise groups are also a great get-together.
- Find a faith-based organization. Many religious groups will have faith-based organizations that are open to new members. Many people find comfort and a sense of community through these groups.
- Volunteer. Volunteer organizations are often looking for new volunteers to help a worthy cause. Not only will this help you meet new people, but giving back to your community has been linked to additional health benefits!
- Check out resources and programs through your local social service agencies, community centers, and public libraries. These places do a lot of work to build their local communities, and often have several different ways to meet with other people. They may host a wide range of events and programs, or know about ones from other organizations that you can get involved with.
- Use communication technologies. If you are unable to find something local to you, or have family and friends who live far away, you can always use technology to help reach out. While communication will be different, it can often be equally enriching.
- Look out for special opportunities for meetups during the holiday season. The holiday season often provides some unique opportunities to meet with other people. From turkey trots and volunteering with meal preparations, to caroling meetups and church events, there are some great starting points to make lifelong memories and friends.
Kingsway Community and You
It’s natural that staying socially connected can become more challenging with age. At Kingsway Community, connection is at the heart of everything we do. Our residences are designed to feature welcoming common areas, inviting dining spaces, and a calendar full of engaging programs that bring neighbors together.
Whether it’s sharing stories over coffee, joining a hobby group, celebrating seasonal events, or simply taking a walk with a new friend, residents have countless opportunities to build meaningful relationships every day. Rediscover the joy of connection and belonging. Visit Kingsway Community to experience firsthand how living here can enrich your health, happiness, and sense of purpose. Schedule your tour today through our contact form.