In 1964, Barbara Streisand recorded a song that included the lyrics, “people who need people are the luckiest people in the world”. It turns out those who are socially active are the most physically, emotionally and cognitively healthiest people.

The Benefits of Socialization 

According to the Centre on Aging, there are many benefits to being socially active, including:

  • The risk of developing a disability decreased by 43 percent over five years per social activity.
  • Older adults diagnosed with depression were more than 2.5 times more likely to show improvement in their depressive symptoms if they participated in social activities.
  • The rate of cognitive decline was, on average, 70-percent lower in older adults who were socially active.

Why does social activity create these benefits?

Socialization reduces stress, which can increase blood pressure, weaken your immune system, and result in anxiety, insomnia, and an increased risk for heart disease. For those with a chronic disease, which is already a burden on the body, it’s even harder to bounce back physically from the toll of increased stress.

Family and friends can encourage you to keep healthy habits and achieve challenging goals. For example, people who exercise in a group rather on their own experience decreased stress levels and better mental and physical well-being.

Improved physical, emotional and cognitive health creates positive momentum in that it raises your self-esteem and motivation to stay socially active.

Social Opportunities for Seniors

Staying socially active does not just mean just spending time with your family and few close friends. Activities at a senior community center can expand your social horizons while participating in a wide range of activities.

You can also search online for activities and venues in your community where you can meet people with common interests, such as:

  • Art galleries
  • Museums
  • Book readings
  • Lectures
  • City tours
  • Classes and seminars
  • Festivals and celebrations
  • Sporting events

Other social opportunities:

  • Seek out like minded people online
  • Join a discussion group
  • Attend a fitness class
  • Join a craft group

There are many ways to become involved with others as a volunteer. Depending on your time, talents and physical abilities, you might be engaged in fundraising events, delivering Meals on Wheels, or providing advice to a small business.

Independent and assisted living communities for seniors offer many opportunities to meet new people and socialize by participating in activities.

At Bethesda, residents are encouraged to meet fellow residents and staff. The activities offered include playing cards or games with friends, going on outings to shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, sightseeing, and special community events.

Residents can relax with friends in a Bethesda cocktail lounge, take a walk with companions in courtyards and on walking paths or to nearby shops and restaurants. Community activity calendars feature exercise classes, movie nights, music sessions, arts and crafts activities. Residents are encouraged to bring family members and friends to Bethesda to celebrate birthdays, special occasions, or to just be together.

For more tips on social interaction in the senior community, visit Bethesda’s Health & Wellness blog.

With 133 years of experience, Bethesda has become a leader in senior care, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. To see if independent living is the best choice for your retirement goals, tour any of our locations, including Bethesda Barclay House – Clayton, Bethesda Gardens – Kirkwood, Bethesda Orchard – Webster Groves, Bethesda Terrace – South County, Village North Retirement Community – Florissant, and The Oaks at Bethesda Villas – Kirkwood/Webster. After meeting with our residents and highly trained staff, you will instantly feel at home. 
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