Elderly health and a senior’s well-being is too often overlooked and not talked about enough in today’s society. A senior’s well-being and health is more important than we know but thankfully we can change the trajectory and start the conversation now! Companionship plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving the health and well-being of seniors, impacting both their mental and physical states significantly. Finding ways to provide social interactions can greatly benefit our seniors' well-being.
No matter the age, the need for companionship is important and should continue to be nurtured as life goes on!
The benefits of companionship have a wide range of possibilities for everyone but especially for elderly health. The brain thrives on activity and stimulation and without companionship it can be difficult to get consistent stimulation to your brain. A person can lack the social stimulation that comes with work, events, and with sporadic happenings and social engagements. Seeing, communicating and interacting with other people can make a huge change in a senior’s well-being. A large benefit of companionship is that it has been shown to fight off depression. Through shared experiences and meaningful conversations, companionship offers seniors a renewed sense of purpose and joy in life. It helps them stay connected with the world around them, stimulates a positive outlook, and nurtures self-esteem. With all this being said and taking account of the world we live in, some may say the largest benefit of companionship is aging more gracefully!
The benefits of companionship are endless therefore it is important to know how to foster companionship in seniors. As a caretaker or loved one it is crucial to be sensitive and understanding to your seniors needs especially when interacting with adults that suffer from dementia or other mind altering conditions. Fostering companionship with your seniors takes empathy and patience. Having patience and empathy as a caregiver or loved one will take you far with fostering genuine companionship. Involvement in community activities is extremely important and the companionship of like-minded people who share their interests and hobbies comes with socializing in their community! Encouraging social support for seniors will help foster companionship within their community and with their peers. Pet companionship is another great way to incorporate emotional and social support, increase cognitive stimulation, and encourage physical activity. Professional companion services are particularly helpful for seniors that live far from loved ones or are living alone. It can encourage seniors to incorporate physical activities into their daily routines, such as going for walks or attending exercise classes. Companions are able to lend a listening ear and encourage conversation, which leads to seniors feeling heard and valued. A senior feeling heard can boost self esteem and increase their joy day to day!
Companionship in seniors can lead to an improved senior health and well-being. For families that are unable to physically be with their elderly family members, there are plenty of options to foster companionship and help your seniors reap the benefits of true companionship. The use of social media and smartphones with seniors has significantly risen and can be used daily to keep families in touch with their senior loved ones! Another option, in addition to social media, is companionship services. It is important to research different companionship services which can typically be found in home health care agencies. With companionship services, it allows the family to have a peace of mind that their loved one has someone to talk to in person and feel seen.
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