Loneliness and isolation are problems many senior citizens face. This can be due to physical limitations, like deteriorating vision or hearing, depression. Additionally, many of their lifelong friends and family may have passed away. At the same time, their ability to drive, so therefore their ability to go out to meet new friends, is more limited.
We all want to help our loved ones, who gave so much of their lives to us. Receiving care and attention for non-medical issues is just as important as medical treatment. There truly is something to be said for the power of positive thinking. The happier we are, the healthier we seem to be.
It may seem if not a frustrating, then an overwhelming task. We have jobs, children, and gee, wouldn’t it be nice to pursue our own interests too? Of course. And the good news is, we have many resources available in our communities to assist us with this. For those who still live at home or in the home of a loved one, adult day centers, senior centers and church groups can be wonderful social outlets. All of these provide age-specific support groups and activities. Games, exercise, arts & crafts, music and other entertainment are offered daily, weekly and sometimes on evenings or over the weekend.
In some areas there are communities set up just for people 55+. Here, seniors live in private homes. These neighborhoods have a central clubhouse with a variety of activities. These range from arts and crafts, card parties, bingo and other activities. There is often a central place for socialization as well. They also offer private bus transportation for those who cannot drive that make weekly trips to the grocery store, shopping, and scheduled doctors appointments.
Very often in these same communities offer graduated assistance for aging residents. They can move to independent homes with some assistance, such as a bus to meals and a central dining and recreational area. The same amenities that are offered in the less-assisted neighborhoods are, or course, also offered.
Assisted living facilities are another option for many seniors who are able to live independently but choose to be around people their own age and have less housekeeping, meal planning and transportation issues to deal with. Accommodations graduate with need from apartments or condos to skilled nursing facilities. For people with special needs, like Alzheimer’s, there are similar, specialized facilities.
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