Man is, by nature, “a social animal”, stated the famous Greek philosopher Aristotle. What does it mean, exactly? In a nutshell, it refers to our innate, biological need to live as part of a community.
The importance of community during childhood and early adulthood is unquestionable. Those are crucial moments when many social milestones occur, and community can help to develop and thrive. But what about older people?
Living in a community is a lot more important to seniors than we realize. Many people, in fact, opt for assisted living facilities for their aging parents.
Would you like to better understand why community is so essential to the elderly? Keep reading to learn more!
It Helps Reduce Feelings of Loneliness, Depression, and Anxiety
Alarmingly, the chances of developing a mental health condition during your senior years are much higher than you’d think. Depression in the elderly, for example, occurs in up to 5% of seniors.
For this reason, it is paramount that elderly people enjoy a support network that can help them reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. This, in turn, can help ward off anxiety, depression, and other issues. Feeling supported, loved, and empowered can also help elderly people to maintain their dignity and independence.
It Enables Elderly People To Stay Active and Healthy
Living in a community with other people of a similar age is also essential to ensure that elderly people stay fit and active.
Community members can better use the facilities, gather together, and organize different activities, this can make their stay more comfortable.. Walking or practicing gentle yoga and Pilates are popular exercise choices in these settings. Joining in on one of these activities strengthens the sense of belonging and encourages the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.
To reap even more benefits, elderly people can practice sports or physical activities outdoors. The benefits of spending time in the open air are several, and they include a boost in physical and mental health.
It’s also important to stress that physical health is instrumental to brain health. Enjoying good brain health drastically reduces the possibility to develop problems such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
It Provides Practical Support With Everyday Activities
Last but not least, living in a senior living community is also crucial to provide some much-needed practical help — and you can learn more about it here.
From cooking meals to doing the laundry, from having a chat with someone familiar to handling some light cleaning jobs, assisted living communities, with the integration of advanced assisted living software for shift scheduling and task management, can be a great source of daily support.
Highlighting the Importance of Community for the Elderly Population
Understanding the importance of community for the elderly is vital. This, in fact, can ensure that an elderly loved one spends their last years in a healthy, happy, and supportive environment.
Living in a community, such as an assisted living center, can be helpful to maintain a certain degree of independence. At the same time, it will ensure the delivery of the necessary physical and emotional care.
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