From the Editor: Important to Stay Social as You Age
Two of the articles in this month’s issue reference an important factor in healthy aging: regular socializing with others. Research increasingly suggests that older adults who have strong social networks are healthier, have a better quality of life, and live longer compared to those with little social support.
Strong social support seems to protect against cognitive decline and self-reported disability, possibly because interacting with others stimulates multiple body systems, including the cognitive, cardiovascular, and neuromuscular systems. For example, setting up a regular walking date with a neighbor or friend is likely to encourage you to walk farther and more often than you would on your own. The pay-off is a heart-healthy workout and bone-building resistance exercise, coupled with the mental stimulation you’ll get through chatting about current events.
That said, life changes that happen as we age can make it difficult for us to keep up our social network. Retirement (see our page 5 article) is accompanied by the cessation of normal work cycles we may have adhered to for decades, and may result in our losing continued contact with work colleagues, particularly if we relocate after we stop working. As the years pass, friends may slow down or succumb to poor health, relocate to warmer climes, or move into long-term residential care. Additionally, the burden of chronic disease can make normal socialization routines difficult to maintain—physical disabilities may mean it’s harder for you to leave your home to engage in social activities, and if your spouse is in poor health, you may effectively become housebound yourself in order to provide constant care.
Even so, it’s vital that you’re proactive about socializing. Local senior centers are a good option and provide a range of social outings and events, as well as health and wellness information, and transportation options. Your church or synagogue also can be a source of support.
Consider a part-time job, or volunteering time at your local library, hospital or school. Older adults who participate in activities they find meaningful, such as volunteering, report feeling healthier and happier. In the same vein, taking adult education classes on subjects of interest can also be an effective—not to mention interesting—form of social activity that also develops the mind. For those times when you might be unable to leave your home, the internet can be a source of companionship via forums aimed specifically at older adults.
Adaptation, attitude and activity are crucial to healthy aging. Those older adults who thrive as they age tend to have more willingness to adjust to age-related changes in their lives, and a positive outlook—and they engage not only in physical, but also in mental and social activities. And socializing isn’t just good for you—it can also be a lot of fun!
–Rosanne M. Leipzig, MD, PhD, Editor-in-Chief
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