Having a companion in life, whether they are a relative, friend or caregiver, helps keep the mind active and prevent social isolation. Someone there to engage in conversation with, even if it’s for a few moments, encourages mental stimulation and positive thoughts, as well as reminisce memories. Senior companionship means that they can go out for walks, play games, watch a movie together, share meals and more. It is about letting them live their lives on their terms.
Spending time with family and friends is fun for aging adults, and it can also provide a multitude of long-term emotional and physical health benefits. Maintaining healthy relationships can make life more enjoyable as seniors continue to age. Below are some of the top reasons older adults need social companionship.
1. Reduces Stress
Simple interactions can have a positive impact on the mental and emotional wellbeing of seniors. Seniors crave companionship because it makes them feel good and controls their stress levels. Holding conversations with family and friends or enjoying activities like gardening and hiking with their loved ones, can help seniors reduce their stress levels and lower the risk of depression. Keeping your loved one stress-free and comfortable can ensure he or she lives a long, high-quality life.
2. Boosts Confidence
For some seniors, having a friend provides a sense of purpose. Maintaining friendships could make your aging parent feel accomplished, ultimately enhancing his or her self-esteem. The more confident seniors are in themselves, the better. Being confident can reduce negative emotions such as fear, doubt, and denial.
3. Provides Social Engagement
Isolation is common in older adults. They may live alone, endure age-related health conditions, and withdraw from social activities. However, this does not take away their desire for companionship. Lack of social engagement can lead to serious problems for seniors, including loneliness and boredom. Senior companionship so they can maintain social engagement, hoping to increase the odds of living life with joy and excitement.
4. Offers A Physical Connection
The presence of a companion can stimulate a senior’s senses and boost his or her physical health, whether it’s a platonic friendship or an intimate relationship. Seniors crave physical connections as they grow older, which can be achieved with a simple hug, pat on the back, or hand holding. Touch deprivation can have a negative effect on overall health, especially emotional wellbeing. Your loved one may long for companionship because he or she views physical connections to communicate and bond with you and other family members.
5. Spreads Happiness
Seeing their children, neighbors, friends, and other family members happy can spark something in older adults. They feel like belonging to a happy group of people will rub off on them, so they crave companionship. Happiness can be contagious, which is why older adults cluster into happy support groups, hoping those feelings will spread to them.
6. Helps With Grieving
Losing a spouse, best friend, or family member is never easy for seniors. Grieving could cause them to lose their appetite, develop poor sleeping habits, or lose interest in self-care. However, many seniors become emotionally dependent and fear being alone. They crave companionship from family caregivers as they mourn the loss of a loved one. The constant companionship could help your loved one manage loss and other hardships he or she encounters.
Not every Senior companionship has the same care needs, which means they do not all need the same type of home care. Families can trust Elder Home Care to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life.
