It's well known that the basic physiological needs for a human to survive are food, water, air, and shelter. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the next two levels a human will need to survive are safety/security and love/belonging. Both of which require interpersonal relationships with family, friends, co-workers, etc. The ability to form and maintain healthy relationships with others can have lasting effects on your overall health.
As you age, maintaining social relationships can become increasingly difficult, but this does not mean impossible. There are several ways to experience positive well-being through socialization, with your aging loved one.
Join a class or group.
Exploring your favourite hobbies or even new ones, with others can make the experience much more fulfilling. It can be fun and beneficial to meet people with similar interest, whether it is through exercise, reading a book, crafting, etc.
Strengthen existing relationships.
Over time, families grow, priorities shift, and it can become difficult to stay in touch with your friends and loved ones. Meeting in person may not always be feasible or realistic. Scheduling time in your calendar to actively reach out by using technology can not only improve your day but also those who you’ve connected with.
Find a volunteer position that fits your skills.
Your community may have many voluntary opportunities to connect that you may have never considered before. Whether it is within your neighbourhood library, YMCA, or other local programs; you may be surprised to find plenty of opportunities to become involved in your local community.
Consider adopting a pet.
If you can care for a pet, adopting one may be a great source of comfort in your own home. Many people have attributed an improvement in anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure to their pets.
Many things change as we age, but this does not necessarily make it negative. Although social network size decreases with age, the interactions older adults have with people in their remaining network are perceived to be more satisfying with age.
At Senior Helpers, our services are flexible and customizable to fit you and your loved ones’ needs as they change. We understand the importance of making sure your loved one feels safe, comfortable, and independent in their home for as long as possible. Whether they need a little fun or maybe just help keeping house and running errands, we have you covered with home care activities. Contact us to learn more about our services.
