Every July, people across the nation are encouraged to get out and engage socially with friends, family, and their community members. Social Wellness Month is a time to boost your social activities and explore the difference you feel when you’ve spent time with others.
Why is social engagement so important for your mom? What benefits do companionship and socialization offer? Here are five reasons to make sure your mom is able to socialize during Social Wellness Month and throughout the year.
Socialization Helps Lower the Risk of Depression
Sometimes, loneliness and isolation that continues can increase the risk of depression. Some people handle isolation better than others. If there is the slightest chance that your mom may start to feel depressed when she’s always alone, it’s better to arrange companionship visits from an in-home care aide.
She’ll Eat More
If your mom has company while she eats, she’s more likely to eat a full meal and make healthier choices. Instead of being tempted to have a container of yogurt and nothing more, she’ll have a plate with lean protein, grain, and plenty of vegetables.
As she has people to talk to while she eats, she also eats slowly instead of wolfing it down. This can boost nutritional intake, which is better for weight loss and avoidance of some diet-related chronic diseases.
The Risk of Alzheimer’s May Decrease
There have been studies that show lack of socialization can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The risk is about 50% per the CDC. If your mom could avoid a disease that slowly takes away her memories, cognitive skills, and mobility, wouldn’t she want to be social?
Loneliness May Increase Your Risk of Inflammatory Health Conditions
Multiple studies have found that people who feel isolated and lonely have higher risks for inflammatory health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. In one study, the risk of diabetes in people who felt isolated was doubled.
Studies have also found that people who feel isolated and lonely have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. It’s believed it may be because people who are isolated tend to make less healthy choices for meals and find comfort in bad habits like smoking and drinking.
She Won’t Be as Tempted to Call You at Inconvenient Times
If your mom has an in-home care aide with her all week, she’s going to be less likely to want to call you in the middle of the workday. You can focus on your job while an in-home care aide keeps your mom company.
Learn more about the benefits of in-home care when it comes to helping your mom stay social and active. Talk to a home care advisor to get answers to your questions and schedule services.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring In-Home Care in Surprise, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Blessings for Seniors Companion Care at (623) 594-0819.
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Blessings for Seniors makes it possible for older adults to enjoy the comforts of their own home for as long as possible. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as; Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans’ Home Care program.
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