One of the best reasons to live at Aston Gardens retirement community in Florida is to avoid social isolation. Research shows that approximately 43% of seniors who live in their own home as opposed to being in a retirement community are in social isolation. The negative effects of isolation are far-reaching, affecting well-being, health, and quality of life. Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid senior isolation.
Find Life Purpose
Seniors who are involved in something that truly interests them, such as a hobby or church activities, are rarely isolated socially. Everyone benefits from having something to look forward to and a reason to wake up in the morning. All it may take to avoid all of the negative aspects of an isolated lifestyle is to participate in a group activity, such as playing cards with a bridge club, getting involved in a walking club through the American Heart Association, or joining a quilting group.
Adopt a Pet or Tend Plants
One thing many experts agree on with regards to social isolation is that the condition is relieved by the act of nurturing. There are numerous benefits to owning a pet, and curing an isolated lifestyle is one of them. Pet owners are usually less prone to depression or loneliness, tend to feel more secure, and engage in social activity regularly. Taking care of plants has benefits, as well, because it satisfies a natural drive to nurture. Life takes on more meaning and purpose when we have something or someone to live for beyond ourselves.
Test for Hearing or Vision
It is not uncommon for seniors to have undiagnosed and/or untreated hearing or vision problems. When people can’t hear or see, it’s also not unusual that they tend to avoid social situations, due to a difficulty in communicating and embarrassment over the impairment. An escape from isolation, for many seniors, is achieved by getting needed hearing or vision aid.
Deal with Incontinence Issues
Incontinence can be a very embarrassing issue, and many seniors begin to avoid social situations because of it. There are, fortunately, many ways to overcome barriers created by incontinence. Obviously, getting needed medical attention may be the best route. If needed surgery isn’t possible due to lack of adequate insurance coverage or other reasons, there are still ways to go on with your life without the need for being self-conscious. Available supplies for the condition are effective and can be delivered to your home discreetly.
Arrange for Transportation
Many times, lack of transportation is the primary reason a senior becomes socially isolated. The inability to drive due to age-related issues is often a real blow because it limits freedom to get where you want to go when you want to get there. This is the type of change seniors frequently deal with, and it is extremely beneficial to adjust to the new parameters of life. Taking cabs, riding buses, accepting offered rides, and tapping into networks designed to help seniors with transportation are all potential solutions.
Become a Volunteer
In-depth research shows that when seniors age 65 and older get involved with volunteer work, they benefit physically and mentally because of the personal sense of accomplishment gained from their benevolent activities. It has also been discovered that seniors who completely lost any sense of purpose due to no longer being a wage earner or a parent with an active role were regained through volunteering. Seniors who volunteer even experience a greater sense of life satisfaction as compared with those who continue to work and receive paychecks. Volunteering is an excellent cure for social isolation, as well.
Move to a Retirement Community
Aston Gardens retirement community in Florida offers numerous activities for seniors to participate in. We offer independent living and assisted living. Sensations dining brings residents together to enjoy delicious gourmet food prepared by executive chefs. On Sundays, you can enjoy mouthwatering brunches. Dining with other residents is an excellent way to escape isolation and get more out of life. It builds confidence and self-esteem to get out among others in a supportive environment.
Give Support to Friends
Do you have a friend or family member who has lost a spouse or who is dealing with some other type of difficulty in their life? You can give support by simply caring, checking on them, being there to listen, and giving them a hug. Realizing that others need you is a great way to break out of a lonely lifestyle.
Aston Gardens At The Courtyards is here to provide a range of senior living options for those ready to start the next chapter of their lives. Contact us today at 813.633.2378 to learn about our senior living programs, amenities, and floorplans.
