Celebrating Social Wellness Month

It is important to maintain physical and mental health at every stage of life. However, during our golden years, taking care of mental and emotional health needs takes on a special significance. For seniors, emotional and social health can sometimes be put on the back burner because of physical health concerns or suffer because of an increase in time spent alone. This isolation may come as a result of a loved one passing away, family members moving or by making the choice to reduce the amount of weekly social engagements because of physical health limitations.

While spending time alone can create negative health consequences, maintaining strong social ties can have incredible benefits. In fact, the Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH) reports that seniors who are socially active are likely to see positive mental and physical impacts, including:

• Improved thinking skills and slower cognitive decline
• Reduced risk of depression
• Increased productivity
• Strengthened immune system

Recognizing and understanding these benefits is making social wellness and social health hot topics in senior care today.

Social Wellness Month

Social support is proven to enhance the quality of life for seniors. People who are able to build and maintain healthy relationships over the age of 65 have friends to share their joys, to listen to their concerns and to provide helping hands during times of need. Research also shows that seniors with strong social networks are more likely to:

• Live longer
• Respond better to stress and stressful situations
• Have healthier cardiovascular function
• Experience more positive moods
• Have higher self-esteem

In 2022, July is Social Wellness Month. Social wellness is about nurturing yourself and the relationships with those around you. In order for relationships to be beneficial and supportive for both parties involved, the relationship must be based on a healthy foundation. A healthy social relationship includes:

• Recognizing the influence the relationship has on the parties involved
• An open, honest sharing of feelings
• Listening without blame or judgment
• The ability to ask for what you need from the other party
• Lack of violent, angry or overly critical behavior
• The ability to disagree respectfully

Social Health for Seniors

There are many ways for older adults to avoid isolation and keep a strong social support system in place. For many seniors, social health begins with choosing not to live alone. Moving to a senior living community can offer the types of social engagement and group activities that keep the mind and body moving! However, no matter where you live, there are ways to stay active, involved and socially healthy by making socialization a priority. Here are some ideas to try:

Exercise. Joining a gym or an exercise class creates a way to meet new people while gaining additional health benefits. At St. Paul’s Senior Community, residents can take part in fitness programs and use exercise equipment that is made for all levels of fitness. 

Go for a walk. Going for a walk gives the opportunity for physical activity, as well as social time! Walking a pet, going for a walk with friends or family or walking in a popular area are all great ways to meet new friends and share pleasant conversation. At St. Paul’s, the patios and gardens are wonderful places to spend social time outdoors. 

Volunteer. Donating time to a cause that stirs your passions is a great way to connect with people of like minds! The work will help you feel good, and the relationships will be built on common ground.

Take up a hobby. Any time is a good time to start a new hobby. From painting and music to card games and puzzles, there are a wide variety of ways to spend fun time with friends. At Mission Chateau Senior Living Community, there are classes to take, pets are welcome, fitness is encouraged and relaxing at the salon and Jacuzzi are a must! All these present opportunities for social time with friends and family and offer residents a way to share hobbies they enjoy.

Make eating an occasion. Eating with friends and family makes each meal an occasion! At Mission Chateau, there are many dining options to take each meal to the next level. Casual dining, bistro dining and dining in the courtyard are all options to meet each resident’s needs and mood.

About Tutera Senior Living & Health Care

At Tutera Senior Living & Health Care, we believe each resident should receive support for their physical, emotional and intellectual needs. This approach to health and wellness treats the whole person and makes their experience at Tutera as unique as they are. Through the EmpowerMe Wellness program, each resident’s care plan is created with an integrated approach to health, focusing on one-on-one services and the wants and needs of that particular resident.

The conveniences and amenities found at Tutera Senior Living communities are designed to bring joy and engagement to the lives of the residents. Social, educational and recreational events keep everyone busy and create options for residents to build a life they love. Options for activities include:

• Arts and crafts
• Libraries and book clubs
• Happy hours
• Coffee bars
• Restaurant-style dining
• Fitness centers
• Movie nights
• Spas
• Salons and barbershops
• Pools

Interested in learning more about Tutera Senior Living? You can use our community finder tool to locate a community near you. Or call us today with any questions about our communities, our amenities or our care!

Learn more by clicking on the community links below:

The Atriums Senior Living Community
Carnegie Village Senior Living Community
Mission Chateau Senior Living Community
Moweaqua Rehabilitation & Health Care Center
St. Paul's Senior Community
Tiffany Springs Senior Living Community
Victory Hills Senior Living Community