November 20, 2019
For the elderly, aging in place can be convenient, affordable, and flexible. According to research from the AARP, the vast majority of seniors say that they would prefer to stay at home for as long as possible as they grow older.
Receiving long-term care in the comfort and safety of home is a great way for seniors to maintain their independence, keep up their health, and continue to live life to the fullest, while living in an environment that is familiar and full of warm, nourishing memories. At the same time, aging in place is also a powerful way for seniors to connect with their community and nurture meaningful relationships, making life vibrant and fun for years to come!
How Can Seniors Remain Social While Aging in Place?
Remember: for older adults, aging in place does not have to mean being alone!
There are countless ways for seniors to remain social and connected, without having to uproot their lives and move into an unfamiliar living situation, such as a nursing home or assisted living facility.
Maintaining and building these relationships over time is incredibly important. In fact, a growing body of research suggests that remaining engaged and socially active is one of the keys to health and longevity for older adults. Studies have shown that maintaining strong social bonds can allow seniors to experience better overall health, as well as higher levels of happiness and satisfaction.
Living at home gives seniors the freedom and flexibility to connect with new people and keep up their longest and deepest relationships. In fact, there have never been more opportunities for older adults to maintain these healthy, meaningful relationships while aging in place!
Here are some inspiring and impactful ways for seniors to remain connected to friends and family, while enjoying all of the benefits of living at home:
1.) Hosting Friends and Family
Living at home gives seniors the opportunity to host friends or family in their own space. Whether gathering friends for a card game or potluck, playing host to a sprawling family reunion, or simply opening their doors to neighbors around the holiday season, aging in place can empower seniors to remain connected to their closest friends and loved ones. Living at home can also make it easier for seniors to attend family gatherings and neighborhood parties, especially if they can access a carpool, or enjoy driving services from an experienced senior companion.
2.) Taking Continuing Education or Fitness Classes
Studying new subjects and enriching your worldview is a noble pursuit at any age – and it’s been proven to help older adults experience better overall brain health and cognitive function. Many community centers and local colleges offer free or reduced-price classes, so older adults can enjoy learning about art, developing their skills for a new language, or taking part in an exercise or fitness program specifically geared towards seniors.
3.) Joining a Senior Center or Community Group
Many communities have senior centers that host a wide variety of events and activities, including film screenings, fitness classes, day trips, and game nights. Living at home may also enable your senior loved one to join a local activity group. There are countless such groups in neighborhoods all across the country, helping seniors to meet new people who share similar interests – from gardening, to classic movies, to going on road trips.
4.) Attending Community Events
Is there an author visiting town to speak about their latest project? A botanical garden opening up a display on a rare and exotic flower? A local film screening of a favorite black and white movie? Living at home can make it easier for seniors to keep up a robust calendar of community activities, and share their favorite experiences with family, friends, and companions.
5.) Living With Pets
Research has shown that living with pets can offer some remarkable benefits to older adults. In fact, multiple studies suggest that having a pet can reduce feelings of loneliness, encourage movement and activity, promote independence, and empower seniors to live with a true sense of purpose. Living at home can make it easier for seniors to get to enjoy time with their trusted animal friends – perhaps with the support of a family caregiver or experienced senior companion, to make sure the senior is safe and well at every step of the way.
6.) Volunteering and Being Active In Faith-Based Groups
Volunteering is a great way for older adults to make a difference in their communities – while also making friends and valuable connections with people who share a passion for doing good! There are many volunteer organizations that have programs and events specifically intended for older adults. In other cases, it may help to look around the community. In most places, organizations such as hospitals, theaters, community centers, schools, temples, and churches are always on the lookout for new helpers. If your senior loved one has remained connected to their church or temple for some time, living at home can make it easier to continue attending services and faith-based events, while staying in touch with friends they’ve made over the years.
7.) Enjoying Time With a Senior Companion
When many people think of professional senior companions, they think of the invaluable support they provide with cooking, cleaning, and assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs). On top of daily assistance, companion care is also about making sure that older adults feel emotionally supported and socially connected. With a senior companion, your elderly loved one can have a true friend close by, one who is always available to play games, swap stories, share meals, and go on adventures.
Companions for Seniors Is Here to Help
Interested in learning more about helping your mom or dad age in place? Curious about all of the long-term care options available to your family? Looking for a senior companion to help ensure that your loved one is able to lead an active and enriched lifestyle, while living at home?
Companions for Seniors is here to help!
Our trained and bonded companions are passionate about empowering the elderly to live more independently. Our mission is to help seniors live independently and with dignity in the comfort of their own home, while connecting them with their community and helping to nurture meaningful relationships.
Our companions are available on flexible schedules to spend time with the senior in your life. Whether your loved one needs transportation services, a helping hand, or just a friendly face around the house, our caregivers can help give your senior loved one the personalized attention and support they need – while giving family caregivers a much-needed chance to rest and recharge.
Have any more questions? Curious about how to set up a personalized care plan for the aging adult in your life? Get in touch online or give us a call at 866-910-9020 to get the conversation started!
