Social wellness is an important way to take care of your health

Are you or someone you love aging in isolation? While being alone doesn’t always mean being lonely, you may have experienced a huge shift after retirement, as you begin seeing your peers and friends less often. As time passes, you may also have less access to family.

Social health is vital 

Humans are a social species, and we need to be in contact with others to feel our best. Research has revealed several adverse outcomes for loneliness, because it triggers a set of behavioral and biological processes that contribute to premature death. People who are lonely experience emotional pain, which can activate the same stress responses in the body as physical pain. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic inflammation, reduced immunity, poor cognitive function, and higher risk for dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Everyday tasks like taking medicine, paying bills, driving, and cooking may become harder.

Barriers to socialization

Here are some reasons you or your loved one may face isolation:

• Having too few friends, or friends that have moved or passed away
• Having no family, or family members that live far away
• Losing a driver’s license or car, and not knowing how to arrange transportation
• Seeing your neighborhoods change, or feeling mistrustful or anxious about your surroundings
• Experiencing discrimination, language barriers, vision or hearing problems, or financial struggles
• Having to provide around-the-clock caregiving for an elderly spouse who may have dementia or mobility problems

The good news is that engaging in meaningful, productive activities with others can help you live a healthier, potentially longer life.

Benefits of socialization

There are many benefits from socializing.

1. Improved mental health. Social interaction can fight depression and anxiety and affirm a sense of worth. By fighting depression and self-neglect, you’ll also be reducing your chance of having a stroke, heart disease, or dementia. 
2. Reduced stress. When you socialize, you’ll enjoy better health, immune system, quality of life, and sleep. Finding structure and purpose in life and becoming rooted in your community will help you connect more deeply with yourself.
3. More physical activity. You’re more likely to get out of your house and reduce your time being sedentary when you engage in social activities. Walking to a neighbor’s house to chat or shopping with a friend are great ways of increasing your activity, which can reduce your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. 
4. Better cognitive performance. Being with friends and family helps keep your mind sharper. Whether you play cards or board games, or just reminisce about old times, you’re decreasing your chances of developing dementia. 
5. Lower risk of disease. Social wellness can lower your chance of having high blood pressure and heart disease.

Talk to your doctor about how to cope with loneliness. It’s important to share your feelings of isolation or loneliness with your doctor. This includes how you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally. Be open and honest with your doctor about your health habits and what’s happening in your life, so they can offer you the best solutions for social wellness. 

How to create new connections

Don’t be afraid to diversify your friendships. Almost half of adults have a close friend who is at least 15 years older or younger than themselves. Your friendship can offer someone else a greater appreciation for their experiences, and you can benefit too.

It’s normal to feel some shyness when you meet new people, but push through, and try your best. Here are some ideas to get you started in finding new connections with others:

• Search out activities you might enjoy. 
• Restart an old hobby.
• Take a class.
• Schedule time each day to stay in touch with family, friends and neighbors (in person, email, social media, phone call, or text) or send letters or cards.
• Adopt a pet if you’re able to care for one.
• Find an exercise group.
• Join a faith-based organization to deepen your spirituality.
• Check for resources at your local community and senior centers and public libraries.
• Volunteer for a cause you’re passionate about.

Sentara Medicare offers three ways to stay more connected

1. We offer a network of friendly helpers who can come to your house and help you with basic daily activities, including technology help, so you can stay connected. They can also help with grocery shopping, light housework, errands, gardening, and more. 
2. Members with qualifying chronic conditions can receive non-medical transportation for trips to churches, grocery stores, community events, senior centers, and more.1 Transportation is also provided to plan-approved, health-related locations, such as doctor appointments.
3. Participating in exercise classes is another great way to build a social network. Sentara Medicare members are covered for a fitness benefit through SilverSneakers® at participating locations.²

Explore Sentara Medicare benefits that can boost your overall well-being and help you stay connected with your community. 

Call us today at 1-877-550-3285 (TTY: 711).

October 1–March 31 | 7 days a week | 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

April 1–September 30 | Monday–Friday | 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

You can also find more information on our website at www.sentaramedicare.com.

Sources

National Institute on Aging