Daily social interactions and activities are incredibly important to older people as they are often alone and may not interact with other people for days or even weeks at a time.
Some older people may seem happy and content, but loneliness can creep in suddenly. There are some steps you can undertake to help a loved one or someone you know that may be going through a lonely or difficult time in their lives.
Mental and Physical Health
The importance of daily social interactions and activities for older people are the mental and physical health benefits. Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), complied between 2016 and 2017, reveal that around one in 20 adults in England reported feeling lonely either often or always.
A lot of older people may feel the absence of a regular routine that they had grown used to in their lives. A regular hobby may be the answer to this, which could be a book club or a sewing group, which can give people something to look forward to.
Regular meet ups with friends, families and carers can be hugely beneficial. It can be as simple as regularly meeting up for lunch or just a coffee. Whatever it may be, a routine catch-up with someone is important to have as part of a schedule.
Daily interactions and activities can also have a great benefit to physical health as well as mental. According to the Novant Health Library, the benefits of being social among older adults include “potentially reduced risk for cardiovascular problems, some cancers, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.”
People Living with Dementia
It can be difficult if someone you love or know is living with dementia. The best thing you can do is listen to their worries and try your best to reassure and comfort them, particularly if they are struggling with their memories. By showing an interest, you can show the person living with dementia that you are there for them and they are supported.
Daily social interactions can be as simple as a chat over a meal or cup of tea. The Alzheimer’s Society has explained that when people living with dementia are not given the chance to express their feelings, it may result in frustration and cause further alienation from friends and family.
Those living with dementia will benefit from meaningful activities. Keeping memory boxes are a great way of triggering certain memories and in helping the person stay connected with relatives and friends.
Minster Home Care
At Minster Home Care, our carers take great pride in looking after each person they care for and ensuring they are benefiting from social interactions and activities.
They will sit and enjoy the main meals of the day with the people they care for, using this time to catch-up with the events of the day, aware that often this is the only social interaction they will get.
Our carers will also take the people they care for out for a walk or a shopping trip, ensuring they get out and about for the essentials as well as interacting with people from outside their homes.
To find out more about the care packages we offer at Minster Home Care, contact us today.
