By Dr. Neal Fischer, Medical Director of Humana’s Great Lakes Medicare Region

As we age, we need to stay active physically to help keep the body fit and the mind sharp. That’s the message we’ve heard for years from many well-publicized research studies. Recent research results are sending another clear message: Staying active socially as we grow older can also help improve our overall health—and quality of life.

People are human, and therefore social by nature. We’re born with an innate need for contact with others. Keeping this basic need satisfied is the simplest explanation for why so many studies have found that social interaction appears vital to our general health and well being.

Key Research Findings

on Social Activity

Most of these studies focused on the effects of socialization (or lack of it) on the physical and mental health of senior adults. In general, findings indicate socialization can actually improve the health of seniors and reduce their medical needs. Results also show that when seniors become isolated, the lack of human interaction can aggravate and even lead to health problems.

· A strong link exists between isolation and high blood pressure, which increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.

· Depression and feelings of loneliness, which often accompany isolation, are intrinsically intertwined. Left untreated, depression can cause a senior to withdraw from social engagement, which can create a vicious cycle of loneliness and depression. Their road to recovery starts by spending more time with others.

·  An active social life can help slow memory loss, and social connections can lead to increased exercise and better nutrition. For example, seniors are more likely to go for a walk if someone walks alongside them, just as they’re more likely to eat regularly and healthier if someone joins them at mealtime.

· People with solid social ties exhibit stronger immunity against disease. For instance, those going out during the cold and flu season to interact with others actually come down with fewer colds and flu-related illnesses than those spending most of their time alone.

· Maintaining social connections can be an important tool in decreasing the impact of pain. People coping with chronic pain also report positive effects from participating in support groups with others who face the same challenges.

There are countless other research findings that indicate social engagement can positively affect our cognitive skills, along with our cardiovascular, neuromuscular and other major body systems. All of these study results make it easy to understand why seniors who socialize should enjoy better emotional, intellectual and physical health.

Seniors Withdraw

for Many Reasons

With so many benefits to be had, seniors should clearly be taking advantage of opportunities to interact with others. Yet, too often, that’s not the case. An assortment of personal reasons can keep seniors from getting out and about to socialize.

Some seniors no longer drive, making transportation a challenge. Perhaps caring for an ill spouse consumes their time and energy. They may be grieving the loss of a loved one. Maybe their chronic pain has isolated them. Or, perhaps, the transition from a working lifestyle to retirement has left them dealing with emotional issues.

Whatever their individual reason for withdrawal from socializing, whether by choice or due to circumstances, they should be aware of the benefits of social engagement. So, if you are concerned about the well being of a family member or friend that has become isolated or withdrawn, you can reach out with a dose of encouragement and a helping hand.

How to Help

Seniors Socialize

The goal is to get them out and going places where they can interact with others. (If transportation is an issue, you might offer to pick them up or recommend a transportation service.) You’ll find a lot of social activities to choose from once you start looking. Here’s a sampling of ideas to jump start your thinking.

You might offer to be their partner in a bridge club. Invite them to join your Wii bowling league. Arrange a dinner meeting with other friends. Look into different community-sponsored events you could attend together. Go shopping with them. Check out physical fitness programs geared toward seniors, like SilverSneakers sponsored by Humana, which is designed to make exercising an enjoyable—and socially rewarding—experience.

You could also suggest cultural outlets, such as a watercolor class, an art exhibit’s reception or a concert. Or, recommend various activities and programs specifically for seniors at places like libraries, religious facilities and other venues. Be sure to include the local Humana Guidance Center in your venue search, because its many health and wellness programs offer seniors opportunities to socialize too. You’ll also want to surf the Web for the various sites that promote interaction among seniors.

The list of possibilities for social activities is virtually endless. Be creative in coming up with ideas for socializing. And be persuasive, but not pushy, in “selling” your suggestions. First and foremost, think about what they like and don’t like. Then select activities you know they’ll enjoy and that match their abilities. This makes it more likely they’ll continue the activities so they can reap the full benefits of social interaction.

The person you’re helping stay socially active doesn’t have to be a family member or a friend. It could very well be you. If that’s the case, do yourself a favor. Get out there and engage with others. Have some fun—all while you’re improving your health and your quality of life.