Tips To Help Seniors Aging In Place Avoid Loneliness With Companion Care at Home
According to the National Council on Aging, loneliness and lack of social connection is a big health problem for seniors. Studies show that social isolation and loneliness can increase a senior’s risk for developing high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, depression, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s. One study done by Julianne Holt-Lundstad revealed that chronic loneliness can increase a senior’s chance of dying by 50%. Loneliness is both a physical and mental health problem for seniors. There are some things that seniors and their families can do to help seniors who are aging in place be less lonely and increase their social connection to the world like:
Companion Care At Home
One of the best options for seniors who are at risk of becoming lonely is companion care at home. Seniors who have companion care at home are much less lonely than other seniors because they have regular social contact with a friend. When seniors have companion care at home they have a buddy that they can shop with, share meals with, go to movies with, and have a good time with. Having companion care at home makes it more likely that seniors will go explore their town, go to restaurants, and participate in social events.
Playing Video Games
Video games are surprisingly great for seniors. The act of playing the game improves the cognitive skills of seniors who play regularly, especially if they play story based games where they need to solve puzzles and participate in group quests. There’s also an important social element that comes with playing video games. Seniors can talk to others, make friends, and chat in game or on an online server to all of the friends that they play the game with. Video games have become a fantastic social outlet for seniors, especially seniors that have mobility challenges or who don’t drive. Being able to socialize online is keeping those seniors from becoming socially isolated.
Using Technology To Connect With Family
Seniors can also stay connected by using technology to connect with their family members that live far away. Seniors can use Zoom or other video chat technology to talk with friends and family who live too far away to visit frequently. A home care provider can help seniors learn to use the video chat technology if necessary but advances in video technology have made it easy for anyone, including seniors, to use modern video technology.
Connecting With Neighbors The Old Fashioned Way
If your senior parent isn’t a fan of being online, video games, and Zoom calls, they can go the old-fashioned route and try connecting with their neighbors by sitting outside. Seniors can enjoy nice weather by sitting outside in a comfortable chair and getting to know the other people in the neighborhood as they pass by walking their dogs or taking walks.
If you or an aging loved one are considering companion care at home in Deerfield, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
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