Photo of seniors

When it comes to the health and wellness of seniors, having a strong social life may well be one of the most essential ingredients for a longer, healthier life.

That’s terrific news if you are considering a senior living community: you’re about to enter an atmosphere filled with possibilities for daily socializing, making new friends, and connecting with those around you. It’s not only one of the best places to be for fun, but also good for your body, mind, and spirit!

Health and wellness of seniors—why friends matter.

Remember when you were little, and you couldn’t wait to meet up with your best friend to play? Or when you had great news and you wanted to share it with a friend because it seemed to make it even better? Connecting with a friend always made you feel good.

It’s much the same as the years pass. In fact, it becomes even more important.

Consider that by living in a senior living community, you are constantly soaking up the healthy vibes of companionship. Just knowing you will be greeted each day by friendly faces who are glad to see you makes it much easier to wake up with a smile.

And even better, you are building bonds with people who are part of your community.  They are your peers. They understand your memories and will be close by when you encounter life’s tougher moments.

Here’s just a few reasons why socializing helps protect the health and wellness of seniors:

  • According to Psychology Today, having a “feel good” conversation with someone face to face can help make you more resilient to stress by helping to trigger the release of dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins and other biochemicals that give us a sense of well-being.
  • When you are around someone who encourages you to maintain healthy habits, such as avoiding alcohol or overeating, you are more likely to do so. If they pass on that second piece of pie, you probably will too. And you’ll thank them later!
  • Exercising with a group rather than on your own can decrease stress levels and result in better mental and physical health, the key to the health and wellness of seniors. And it’s a lot more fun! You’re more motivated to take that walk or participate in a balance class when a friend asks you to come along. That can help you stay active and strong, key elements for remaining independent for as long as possible.
  • Being around others you enjoy just makes you happy—and being happy is good for the health and wellness of seniors. Consider those who live in the Blue Zones, areas of the world where people are living the longest. They are constantly surrounded by family, neighbors and friends, and are there to support one another.
  • Having positive connections means you aren’t isolated. And that means you are safeguarding yourself against the harmful effects of feeling lonely and left out. Loneliness, and even the perception of loneliness, can increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, high blood pressure and more. In fact, research confirms that it also can be as bad for a person’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Social connections are good medicine!

It’s encouraging to know that one of the best things you can do to achieve a healthy longevity is to surround yourself with good people, and to be a good friend as well. There’s even a Proverb that states, “A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” And at PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®), we very much agree.

People need social interaction, and our residents cite friendships as one of the biggest perks of living in a PMMA community. Bridge clubs, bingo nights, dinner dates: there’s always a fun way to engage with friends new and old.

Redefine life on your terms and make these the best years of your life. At PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®), we are dedicated to the health and wellness of seniors. We’d love to tell you more. Contact a community near you to learn more and to schedule your personalized tour.