A recent study conducted by Rush University has indicated that the more socially active elderly individuals age healthier and have a better chance of keeping neurological disabilities at bay. While more study is needed to explore the correlation between social activity and healthy aging, it is believed that social activity reinforces the musculo-skeletal functions needed to be functionally independent. Previous studies on healthy ageing have suggested that elderly people living in solitude show higher declines in motor functioning. When you have reached your prime, you don’t have the same agility (of body and mind) as you did when you were in your 20’s and 30’s. But you can stay socially active for better well-being, as the studies suggest.
A positive frame of mind and the encouragement of family and loved ones are keys to remaining socially active. If you have been living a socially isolated life, you are possibly in dejection or depressed about getting on in age. Rely on the good advice and kind words of loved ones or seek the help of a psychologist to develop a positive attitude towards life. Making up your mind about being a socially activity being is the first step towards a healthier body and mind. Here are some tips on how you can remain socially active for healthy aging.
Staying in touch with friends and relatives
The easiest way to be socially active is to keep in touch with friends and relatives. Make it a point to call up your friends (not just on birthdays and anniversaries) or meet up with them over a cup of coffee. Organize barbecue parties or get-togethers for relatives, friends or neighbors. Keep yourself occupied in these ways by interacting with your loved ones and your community.
Volunteer work and fund-raising
You can stay socially active and give back to your community by participating in fund-raising activities for your local church or shelter for the homeless. You can volunteer at soup kitchens – all you need to do is refer to the Yellow Pages or search online for soup kitchens looking for helpers to serve food to the needy. Organizing fund-raising marathons and events is another option you can consider. For this, you can collaborate with your friends and family members. Volunteering at raffles and bingo events is also fun and offers excellent opportunities to socialize with community members.
Joining a club
Joining your local swim club, book club, chess club or knitting club is a great way to make new friends and learn new things. This offers an opportunity for interaction and keeps you engaged and refreshed. You can even consider organizing book readings at your home or a friend’s home. For inspiration, you always have Oprah’s Book Club-you can discuss the books recommended by the club or choose the ones you read as a child or those you enjoyed reading and sought inspiration from.
Besides these suggestions, you can even stay socially active online. Catch up with school and college friends over Facebook or start your own blog to pen your thoughts. The opportunities for socializing are many. Stay socially active to age gracefully and enjoy good physical as well as mental well being.
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