Understanding Social Connection
Social interaction is a very underrated part of our health and well-being. Loneliness and depression are very common within individuals in assisted living, especially those who are living away from family and friends. Social activities, such as recreational activities, daily one-on-one interactions, and communal meals, can help to connect residents and improve their quality of life when living with us. They give residents something to look forward to and a chance to get outside their living quarters, helping maintain a similar standard of life that they might have enjoyed before moving into assisted living.
The Impact of Social Connection on Mental Health
Mental health is a huge topic of importance within assisted living in Northern Virginia. Reducing feelings of loneliness and depression can help to make a resident’s life far more enjoyable and also extend their life. Engaging in conversation and connection can help improve cognitive function and memory, which naturally decline as we age. By enjoying activities that focus on mood enhancement and a strong sense of purpose, mental health can improve rather than decline, as it does with so many people in assisted living.
Physical Health Benefits of Social Interaction
Social interaction improves mental health and can lower the risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases. Socializing releases the hormone oxytocin, which lowers blood pressure and reduces cortisol levels. Stress is a key contributor to many health problems, and by strengthening your immune system through social interaction, you can enjoy good physical health for years to come. Many group activities encourage you to stay active or get out and about, improving your mobility and physical function.
Emotional and Psychological Advantages
Spending time around new and familiar people can help boost your self-esteem and confidence. We can only improve these personality traits by spending time around people and pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone. No matter our age, developing meaningful relationships and friendships is important. Over time, you’ll find people you can turn to in times of need, giving you a sense of stability and reducing anxiety about the unknown. Even having friends to catch up with over coffee occasionally can make long days feel a little less lonely and give you something to look forward to each week.
Social Connection and Quality of Life
Our team strives to maintain and improve the quality of life for all residents in our care. We hope that, over time, our residents will feel greater life satisfaction and happiness when they work to integrate into our community. With increased engagement and more participation in daily activities, you can work to enjoy a sense of belonging and community. We all want to feel like we belong somewhere in the world, and social connections with like-minded individuals or people in similar circumstances can help you expand your approach to life and improve your mindset.
Challenges in Facilitating Social Connections
While it would be ideal for everyone to participate in all organized social activities within assisted living, some challenges make facilitating social connections more difficult for some residents. Mobility issues and cognitive impairments may mean some activities require adapting to fit the needs of these residents. Of course, many activities and events that don’t require full mobility or can be enjoyed by those with physical limitations are also staples. Trying to provide a range of activities to fit everyone’s needs is the first step to overcoming these barriers.
Loneliness among residents without family or friends nearby is a common issue. Moving into assisted living can feel like a daunting step for some people, who may choose to isolate themselves instead of making an effort to make new connections. Staffing and resource limitations are another challenge in assisted living, with many new employees adjusting to working in a different environment and requiring training to facilitate social activities safely.
The Paragon Assisted Living Difference
Our teams at each Paragon Assisted Living community include a “Chief Joy Officer” who serves as a dedicated activities coordinator to ensure every resident gets the daily socialization and engagement they need, regardless of their impaired mobility or cognition. We truly believe that social interaction is as important (if not more so) to quality of life than any clinical or pharmacological intervention one could receive. As such, we invest in the people to provide this essential service for all residents in our communities. Are you looking for assisted living services in Northern Virginia? Contact our team at Paragon Assisted Living to learn more about our services or to discuss any questions you have about our facilities.