When it comes to the benefits of community, there are no greater times than when we are very young and when we are older. For seniors, being around others with shared values and experiences can be a wonderful part of a fulfilling life chapter that can add value to each day. From reducing the risks of dementia to finding a sense of purpose, here are some examples.
Mental Health and Emotional Management
One of the best-known ways to combat loneliness is social interaction, especially with people who have the same interests and values. Being around others who accept you for who you are and treat you with respect will help when coping with depression and anxiety, even resulting in a sense of belonging, which is vital for survival. Joining a senior living facility can feel scary as you will be leaving your home, but it can also be the start of a new and fulfilling chapter of your life.
Reduced Risk of Dementia
Being alone can snowball into isolation and end in loneliness. However, it is one of the most overlooked parts of growing older and comes with risks such as poor self-care and extreme anxiety. When the brain isn’t engaged in a positive way, it also exposes itself to the risks of dementia and similar conditions. Yet being around people and getting involved in activities has been shown to slow down the risks and, in some cases, can even prevent them altogether.
The Physical Benefits of Community
Physical activity levels naturally decline with age, with only around 40% of seniors staying active. Before you scoff at the idea of trying to jog, stretching things that aren’t meant to be stretched in your 60s, and worrying about making your bum hip worse, you don’t need to put yourself through too much. There are tons of outdoor hobbies that are perfect for seniors that you can do with others, and they don’t even feel like exercise, such as exploring a park.
A Sense of Purpose and Belonging
You may have heard about the hierarchy of needs (Maslow) that humans depend on for survival. In a pyramid-like diagram, the base consists of food and water, while self-actualization is at the top. Yet right in the middle, as the bridge between the two is love and belonging, which includes social connection, friendship, and intimacy. Without these, life can get pretty miserable, but being around a community of people who care about you adds to a sense of belonging.
A Network of Safety and Support
Getting older doesn’t have to mean bitterness, self-denial, and a poor quality of life. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Past your 60s, into the 70s, and even beyond the 80s, you can still live a meaningful and fulfilling life. However, it can depend on the people around you. By staying social and belonging to a community, there is a higher chance you will stay part of a support network that increases the personal safety you need through friends, neighbors, and experts.
Summary
There are mental and emotional health benefits of community as you get older. Of course, being around friends and family also means you are much more likely to engage in physical activities, and you will also find it easier to maintain the kind of support and safety network you need.