Whether due to a disability or declining health, it’s fairly common for individuals to become more isolated as they age. And, while it’s normal for seniors to slowdown, cutting out social activities can have negative effects on both physical and mental health. If you’re worried about an older loved one, here are a few reasons why you might want to enroll them in a senior care program that offers social activities.

3 Ways Socializing Supports Senior Care

1. Promotes Connection & Companionship

The greatest part of engaging in activities with others is the sense of community. Feeling connected to others, seniors can experience considerable stress relief and enhanced mood. More specifically, by curbing loneliness, older adults can avoid a higher risk of depression and high blood pressure—two chronic health issues that can shorten one’s longevity and overall quality-of-life. Some activities that promote communication and spending time with peers include eating meals, taking art classes, or going on excursions together.

2. Improved Cognitive Function

Keeping your mind active through social engagement is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. While the exact link is unknown, it is believed that maintaining relationships with others can help keep the mind focused, encourage learning from others, reduce stress, and promote memory recall—all benefits that may help delay cognitive decline. Research also suggests that social interaction is associated with reduced levels of interleukin-6—an inflammatory protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, osteoporosis, and other age-related conditions.

3. Encourages Physical Fitness

From senior care center dances to water aerobics classes, there are many social activities that can help older individuals maintain proper fitness levels. By strengthening muscles and promoting flexibility, this physical activity is shown to help reduce the risk of falls in seniors. It can also minimize high blood pressure to reduce heart disease risks, prevent weight gain to minimize diabetes risks, and relieve stress to stave off depression.

Offering an assortment of adult day programs in Saint Louis, MO, Freedom Day Center is a leading resource for those seeking social activities for seniors. Staffed by compassionate professionals, this center provides a safe and caring environment for older adults to engage with their peers. Whether your loved one enjoys arts and crafts, taking fitness classes, or going on day trips, this adult day care facility will keep them entertained and engaged at a relaxed and comfortable pace. To learn more about these senior care resources, visit this center online. For questions about enrollment, call a friendly associate at (314) 957-5900.