Friendship is a key part of personal happiness, but many aging adults spend more time on their own than with others. Close, continuing relationships with friends stave off loneliness and promote healthy aging. This guide outlines how isolation can affect seniors and why companionship is an essential part of senior care.

Loneliness in Seniors

As people age, it’s natural to lose close friends, family members, or even a spouse. About 28% of people over 65 live alone, including 46% of women in this age group. Without enriching social interaction, seniors can be at risk for mental health conditions like depression. Isolation may also boost the risk of dementia and cognitive decline, and loneliness can correlate with high blood pressure — a risk factor for heart disease.

To combat these effects, caregivers can schedule social activities and encourage friendships as part of senior care. Strong social support can reduce these health risks and promote wellness with age.

Friendship & Healthy Aging

When your aging loved one spends time with people they care about, they build a network of social support. This promotes mental health and feelings of well-being. Social contact can also stimulate brain health, as your loved one enjoys stimulating activities like board games, cards, and conversation over coffee. Close friends will encourage your loved one to eat well, attend their appointments, and participate in physical activity. Whether your loved one joins a garden club or volunteers with friends at the library, all of these activities can positively affect their well-being and happiness.

As you make decisions about your loved one’s senior care, assisted living communities will ensure that they receive the companionship necessary for healthy aging. The team at West Vue provides caring senior care to residents in West Plains, MO. This facility offers a range of services, whether your loved one is able to live independently in their own apartment or requires 24-hour nursing care. Their 100-acre campus has living units, medical centers, pharmacies, shopping, and more on the property. To learn about facilities and services, visit them online. You can also call (417) 256-2152 to set up a tour.