For seniors that are aging at home, isolation can be a real danger. There are many studies with evidence that point to the positive physical changes in a person’s body – young and old – that occur when they have a healthy social life. It’s very important as the caregiver for your mother or father, to realize that they need plenty of time with other people as part of their health care. Being isolated from other people can result in a shorter life expectancy for seniors, higher risk for dementia and even increased falling. Do your research so that you can prevent this surprisingly common condition of isolation from happening to your elderly parent.

Ways you can Promote Socializing for Senior Health

There are many things you can do to help your aging parent feel loved and get the social connections that they crave. Here are ten ideas you can use. Make sure you also talk to someone from home care for the elderly about the ways that they can help your parent.

1. Figure out transportation methods. Because many senior people cannot drive, you should arrange a way for your parent to get out of the house. Not just for errands, but to visit friends and go shopping.
2. Give your parent a pet or plant to take care of. Having responsibility for something gives them a friend and something to talk about with other people.
3. Have hearing and vision checkups. It’s very important to be on top of ear and eye health to help them see and hear other people better.
4. Talk to neighbors. People that live close by to your aging parent are the best visitors because they don’t have to take much time out of their day to make a difference.
5. Help them find a sense of purpose. Does your mother or father have a hobby they enjoy? They need something important to do.
6. Encourage attendance for religious activities. If your parent is a churchgoer, make sure they keep attending the services they love. The spirituality and socializing will both be very beneficial.
7. A positive body image helps with socializing. Even older adults want to look good. If your parent is embarrassed and doesn’t want to be social because of their weight or another issue, figure out how to help them.
8. Eat with other people. Not eating alone is a great way to connect with people. Food is better shared, and promotes nutrition as well.
9. Give them a hug! This can reduce stress and comfort family members as well as the elderly person.
10. Address embarrassing bathroom issues. If your parent experiences any form of incontinence, they may not want to be out in public. Fixing this will help their social life immensely.