Many people are aware of the term ‘golden years’. This is when people turn a certain age, generally 65. It is now a time to enjoy the rest of your life. However, a pretty sad statistic is that almost half of them admit to feeling lonely. That is a huge number. Loneliness can lead to depression and it can even shorten a person’s life span.
One way to cope with this is to improve the standard of living when living in a retirement home. This has been shown to improve both a senior’s mental and physical health. If you are considering a move to a seniors’ building, here are 4 ways it can improve your overall well being.
1. Improves Social Life
Whether you have a mobility problem or not (but especially so if you do), it can improve your social life. When you don’t have an extended family or friend network that you may have depended on in the past, a senior housing environment can readily provide one (friend network). This has been shown to make a significant difference to a person. In fact, studies have shown this to be true. It has also been known to show an improvement in cognitive ability and to a lesser extent, mobility. In a seniors home setting, socializing becomes easier.
2. Home Maintenance – A Thing Of The Past!
When you are older and living in your own home, it can be pretty difficult to take care of maintenance issues. This is even more so if health problems are present. Home maintenance brings about its own anxieties. Repairs can be difficult to take care of. Cleaning can also bring about falls. Not cleaning can also bring about other health hazards. If you call someone to take care of these things, it can be a burden financially. It’s almost a catch-22 situation, when you think about it. Senior living means you do not have to worry about this anymore. It also offers you the opportunity to downsize.
3. Healthier Eating
One thing you can look forward to in a senior home is an improvement in your diet. In the past, you may have been able to go around and do your own shopping and bought healthy, nutritious items. It will be harder to do this now. Washing, cutting, slicing and other things one does in the kitchen requires standing for long periods which may prove too much now. All this is taken care of now. Not only will you be able to eat healthy meals, everything is taken care of for you. An added bonus is the fact that you do not have to eat alone.
4. Getting Out & About
In the past, driving to places, parking your car and walking about for long periods wasn’t a problem. Now, it may be, but even if it isn’t, it will most likely be harder and more of a strain. In a senior building, things like transportation will be offered. If you are more or less housebound, this is a valuable help to have. Apart from medical visits, other residents may get together for an outing, like going to the movies.
Loneliness is a horrible feeling. You can keep it at bay by living in a senior home and enjoy the company of your fellow residents. Your overall health and wellness is bound to improve, making you feel better and happier.
