According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, every human’s basic needs to survive begin with food, water, air, and shelter. If these lower-level base needs are not met, humans don’t move up the scale to fulfilling higher-level needs. An assisted living or memory care facility provides these base-level needs to all residents. Still, we are also committed to those higher-level social wellness needs, including safety, security, and love (or a sense of belonging). These higher-level needs are fulfilled with social interaction and engagement as well as the presence of healthy relationships with family and friends. The more fulfilled a person feels at these higher levels, the more physically and mentally fit they are.
As we age, nurturing our social relationships can become increasingly challenging, but this does not mean engagement is impossible. There are many ways to achieve positive well-being through socialization, especially in an adult living residence.
Here are some potential ways to maintain social wellness, whether you live at home or in an assisted living facility.
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- Join a class or interest group: This is an excellent time of life to renew old hobbies or explore new interests. Learning in a group with other like-minded peers makes it even more fun. These experiences can be beneficial on many levels. Join a book club, garden with friends, start a yoga class or take music lessons – any social activity with others will be fun and fulfilling.
- Commit to strengthening existing relationships: It can be too easy to let old relationships drift away – families grow, priorities change, and people move to a new place. Getting together in person may not always be realistic or practical, but technology has made maintaining relationships easier than ever. Make an effort to schedule time to stay in touch, and your social wellness quotient will significantly improve. Not to mention, you’ll be brightening their day as well!
- Find a volunteer position that fits your personality: Your hometown likely has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, some of which may surprise you. Typically, the library, local museums, gardens, YMCA, and churches all welcome a helping hand. Even if you live in an assisted living facility and can’t drive, you can find ways to serve others – such as visiting those who can’t leave their rooms or helping someone write a letter to their grandchildren.
- Look into adopting a pet: If you still can care for an animal, a pet provides a wonderful source of comfort. Experts claim that pets can help reduce depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and feelings of isolation. Read more here about how pets can benefit our lives.
Life continually changes, but that doesn’t mean those changes have to be viewed negatively. Research shows that even if our social network grows smaller as we age, the depth of our relationships increases – meaning that we have the capacity for deeper, more fulfilling, and satisfying relationships as seniors.
At A Banyan Residence, we recognize that although having a safe place to eat and sleep is essential, it is only the beginning. Our staff is committed to the overall social wellness of our residents, from arranging classes and workshops to encouraging fitness, participation in excursions, and ongoing learning. Our Venice assisted living residence may be the ideal answer if your senior is looking for a new home but is concerned about feeling isolated or lonely.
Call A Banyan Residence today to learn more about our lifestyle and amenities.
