senior housing

The Importance of Social Interaction in Senior Housing

Retirement comes with pros and cons. It means the freedom to do whatever you want. However, retirement also means spending more time alone or being cooped up at home due to mobility issues which often leads to loneliness and depression. Older adults in senior housing must maintain social interaction for their emotional and mental health.

Keeping relationships and spending adequate time with family and friends keep the senior adults’ minds active. Spending quality time is good for the heart and brain.

How Social Interaction Affects Us

Research shows that spending time with your support group fosters mental and emotional well-being. Social interaction is also an important aspect of adult life and as people age with the following benefits.

  • Social engagement can help boost memory formation. In addition, it protects the brain from neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Social interaction develops better and healthy habits, particularly when doing something difficult because of the encouragement from others. It can lighten the mood and make people happier.
  • Enjoying constant communication with family members, friends, or colleagues can make people happy. Aside from diet and lifestyle, the research found that SuperAgers appeared to be socially active. When constantly surrounded by the people dear to you, being socially connected is one important element to a longer life.
  • Social interaction fosters the feeling of belonging, safety, and security.

 

Why Social Interaction is Critical for Residents in Senior Housing

 

Older adults in senior housing should spend a few hours of social interaction each week to brighten up their mood and overall health. Family members should encourage their loved ones even those with limited mobility.

Boosts Brain Health

 

  • Social interaction can keep seniors mentally stimulated and be aware of their surroundings. Being socially active can also improve seniors’ communication skills while preventing Alzheimer’s and dementia-related disease. Constant communication will also enhance senior adults’ networks that they can rely upon in the future.

Lowers Risks of Isolation and Depression

 

  • Residents in senior housing must maintain relationships with their fellow residents, friends, or family members so they can openly discuss how they are feeling or the things that are going on with their lives. Having no one to talk to or a strong support group often leads to loneliness, isolation, boredom, and poor decision makings.

Better Health

 

  • Limited or failing to interact with the people around can lead to increased stress levels resulting in the development of serious illnesses. Also, having a strong support group promotes healthier habits like mental engagement, eating on time and hearty food, regular excise, and other important lifestyle choices.

Ways to Stay Engaged from Afar


Despite the challenges brought by the COVID19 pandemic, staying socially active should not be hindered. In today’s digital age, there are numerous ways to stay connected to your network from afar.

Video calling and messaging are easily available to keep in touch. Regardless of time zone differences, senior housing residents can still nurture relationships and carry on with meaningful conversations.

Even not so techy adults can still take advantage of the virtual world through emails and social media messaging. But if these are too much, seniors can always resort to phone calls.

 

Ready to make the move into assisted living? Get in contact with us at Fallbrook Assisted Living by clicking here!


Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

nursing homes

How Residents in Nursing Homes Can Prepare for Spring!

If you have been looking forward to the warmer weather, surely you have been waiting for spring to arrive. Although the winter months have been part of your life ever since the cold dark months can take a hit on your mental and emotional health.

But do not worry, you will see the sun more often while making most of the new season by doing fun activities even in nursing homes and spending more time outdoors.

Springtime in Nursing Homes

Springtime is the season of fresh flowers, new opportunities, and new beginnings, thus worth celebrating. Residents in nursing homes are excited about all the fun it brings that they can share with their friends and family.

The excitement of welcoming spring is the natural effect of the warmer days. According to a study done by the University of Michigan, people who spend at least 30 minutes outdoor in warmer weather have a better mindset, reduced stress levels, and are happier.

People feel a lot better when there is more sunlight and days are longer. Spring weather encourages people to engage in physical activities which lead to endorphins boost – the “feel-good” hormones.

In addition, exposure to sunlight is said to boost the release of serotonin which is responsible for boosting a person’s mood, feeling more focused and calmer.

With enough sun exposure, senior adults are less likely to feel major depression linked to seasonal patterns. Furthermore, exposure to sunlight at least 5-15 minutes at least three times a week is enough to get that needed vitamin D boost.

Sunshine can make people happy.

Ways to Welcome Spring in Nursing Homes

Transition your apartments or rooms that match the rejuvenating energy the spring season brings with these tips:

Bringing in Spring Scents

 

It is time to swap out those holiday candles with spring-scented candles like floral, citrus, berries, sunshine bloom, orange, green tea, banana, and vanilla to liven up your space. If scented candles are not available, you can simply switch to pastel-colored candles.

Getting Flowers & Succulents

 

Bring in the blooms indoors. Adding fresh flowers like seasonal blooms throughout the season in different areas in your home is the cheapest and quickest way to give your space a beautiful upgrade. You can stick to in-season flowers or mix with succulents. Whatever suits your taste; you cannot go wrong with fresh flowers and succulents.

Switching Out Home Linens with Spring Colors

 

Put away the thick and heavy curtains, blankets, and faux fur. Instead, residents in nursing homes can use light and cotton fabrics for that light and airy bedroom. Also, pick the colors of spring, like yellow, warm greens, orangey reds, beige, and peaches to add a pop of color at the same time making your room feel bigger.

Closet Cleanout

 

It’s time to give up those thermals, fleece, sweatshirt, and long-sleeve tops. Give your closet an update by adding a lightweight jacket for chilly mornings or nights. Go for dresses, shorts, and other pieces made of cotton or linen to allow airflow during hot days.

 

Looking for a nursing home in Lincoln, Nebraska? Check our facilities out by clicking here!


Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper