According to the Cleveland Clinic, loneliness is the first sign of depression, especially among seniors. As people age, it’s natural that they become more isolated, but this negatively affects their mental and physical health.
It’s common for seniors to live alone post-retirement, mainly if they can still perform daily activities. But having friends and participating in social clubs are human necessities that become more important with age.
Social clubs for seniors allow your loved one to participate in community and social programs where they engage with peers and other members of society. Read on to understand how joining social clubs can improve your loved one’s well-being.
Physical Health Benefits
Joining a social club could push your loved one to get more physical activity. The activities in a social club require physical effort and commitment to a schedule of events requiring active participation. This motivates seniors to stay physically active, resulting in better physical health.
Social clubs within assisted living communities also combine physical activity with wellness programs. The physical health benefits due to social clubs occur because of the following:
- Regular physical movement
- Better cardiovascular health
- Enhanced weight management
Regular Physical Movement
Regular physical movement by participating in social club activities can enhance hand-eye coordination and stamina. Social clubs for seniors have ample opportunities for physical movement, from walking to advanced programs such as yoga.
Regular physical activity through a social club environment will likely motivate your loved one to become committed to exercising independently.
Better Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular health conditions are one of the leading causes of death among older Americans. Regular physical activity can improve your loved one’s cardiovascular health outcomes.
The physical activity associated with participating in social club activities can positively impact cardiovascular health through:
- Promotion of better circulation
- Enhancing heart functionality
- Better management of potential risk factors such as high blood pressure
Social clubs at assisted living communities understand the level of physical activity ideal for better cardiovascular health. Senior activities usually involve moderate or light physical exercises with varying intensity levels.
Weight Management
The Population Reference Bureau found that the obesity rates among older Americans has doubled in recent years. The data explains that more seniors are at risk of chronic health conditions due to poor weight management.
Social clubs allow seniors to engage in physical activity, which can help participants better manage their weight. Physical activity coupled with the peer support of social clubs can help your loved one set specific weight goals and work on them relentlessly.
Improved Cognitive Function
The social and community programs for seniors available in social clubs can help them remain mentally active. Senior social events in assisted living communities are specifically designed to be stimulating.
Better cognitive function is essential for seniors as it can help reduce the risk of health conditions such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. Social activities that force seniors to be more engaged include:
- Playing games
- Group activities such as quizzes or book clubs
- Social discussions and interaction
Social interactions and peer engagement help seniors stay mentally active, especially with memory issues. Like the body, the mind needs regular exercise to remain healthy and alert, which is one of the benefits of social engagement for the elderly.
Emotional and Mental Well-Being
Social activities and engagement benefit seniors’ emotional well-being and improve their quality of life. Social clubs facilitate better emotional welfare by:
- Reducing isolation and loneliness
- Social support
- Enhanced mood
Reduced Isolation and Loneliness
The transition of life post-retirement can be pretty lonely and leave seniors very isolated. Social clubs allow seniors to re-ignite their social life, make new friends, and interact with peers.
An assisted living community offers an environment where social clubs for seniors can thrive and enjoy various amenities such as restaurant-style dining. These amenities are specifically curated to eliminate isolation and facilitate socialization.
Social Support
Senior clubs offer emotional support for seniors as they help each other and share in their triumphs and collective struggles. Emotional support is also helpful for enhanced mental health as seniors learn coping strategies to deal with adverse life events such as health issues or losing a loved one.
Enhanced Mood
Social interaction can enhance your loved one’s mood and minimize the risk of anxiety or depression. Participating in group activities enhances seniors’ state of mind through shared joy and laughter from their experiences.
Social clubs can also create specific programs to improve the mood of their members. Some clubs may offer wellness programs, including music and art activities, to allow for positive emotional expression.
Improved Immune System
The Harvard Medical School found greater social interaction among seniors was linked to a longer life span. Being more active and social enhances the body’s immune system, making it more efficient in fighting various adverse health conditions.
Joining clubs for seniors near you can help your loved one form healthy habits that directly benefit their immunity and overall health. For instance, some of the healthy habits seniors can learn by joining social clubs include:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Regularly doing exercise
- Creating and following a scheduled routine
- Better lifestyle choices
When to Join a Social Club
The best time to join a social club is right now. But how will you know which social club is the right fit? The best way to evaluate which social club is ideal for you or your loved one is by:
- Reviewing your personal interests and those of the club
- Proximity to the club
- Membership requirements for the club
- Size of the social club
Social clubs for seniors are mainly available in assisted living communities. So, it may be difficult for your loved one to be an active member if they are not residing in assisted or residential living communities.
Join Social Clubs for Seniors Today
Getting older doesn’t have to be boring or lonely. In fact, living a sedentary or isolated lifestyle in your golden years is bad for your health. Social clubs for seniors have a calendar of events and social activities that positively impact your loved one’s mental and physical health.
TerraBella Northridge Senior Living Community offers a conducive environment for seniors to form, join, and participate in social clubs. Contact us today to schedule a tour of our community.
