What the SuperAgers Study Shows About the Importance of Social Interaction

Home Care Services in Alexandria MN: What the SuperAgers Study Shows About the Importance of Social Interaction

Sometimes as people age, they spend more time alone. Some of their friends may move or pass away and getting out of the house can be more difficult because of illness or mobility problems. According to a survey conducted by AARP, 25 percent of people over the age of 70 identify as being lonely. Unfortunately, being lonely can lead to health problems and depression. Now, some new scientific evidence underscores the importance of being socially active for the health of older adults.

The “SuperAgers” Study

A group of researchers at Northwestern University conducted a study involving a group of older adults, aged 80 and up, who were considered “SuperAgers.” That is, their memories were as good as people who were 25 or 30 years younger than them.

The study took place over a span of seven years, and involved the participants taking memory tests. Over the course of the study their test scores did not decline. In looking at what contributed to their status as SuperAgers, the researchers discovered that the participants had high scores on tests that measured psychological well-being, especially on social relationship scales. This suggests that people who have good relationships with others may have better cognitive function.

Ways Home Care Can Help Seniors Stay Social

If your aging relative has a hard time maintaining their social ties, home care can help. Some of the ways home care providers can help keep seniors socially involved are:

• Transportation: Home care providers can drive older adults to social engagements, such as lunches with friends, to religious services, or to the senior center for activities there.
• Outings: A home care provider can take your aging relative on outings to places they enjoy, such as museums, theaters, or even just the farmers market. All of these places give seniors a chance to engage with other people.
• Walks: Going for walks with a home care provider gives older adults a chance to meet people. This is especially true if your family member has a dog to bring along since dogs make great conversation starters. Home care providers can even help take care of the dog at home by assisting with feedings and other basic care.
• Keeping Up with Family: A home care provider can assist the senior with using social media or email to stay in contact with family members. They can also help seniors with poor vision to read letters and cards they receive in the mail.
• Preparing for Visitors: Home care providers can help keep the house tidy so that the older adult feels comfortable having visitors. They can also help prepare lunch, tea, coffee, or snacks.

Science supports the many benefits of older adults remaining socially engaged with others. Not only is it good for their emotional well-being, social engagement also helps with overall health, including cognitive ability. If you suspect your older adult family member is spending too much time alone, consider hiring a home care provider to help them get out and about more.

Sources

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/superagers-show-possible-new-link-between-social-engagement-cognitive-health

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/30/health/loneliness-elderly.html

https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/life/info-2014/loneliness_2010.html

If you or an aging loved-one are considering home care services in Alexandria, MN, please contact the caring staff at Alternative Senior Care today. Providing Home Care in Central Minnesota and Surrounding Communities. Call us Today (320) 352-3350.