Everyone requires socialization in order to stay happy and healthy. For those living with dementia, however, socialization is more than just a talk with people. It has a great impact on their overall health and this is because it keeps them grounded to the present moment. These individuals often daydream as a coping mechanism to remember. This is so that when they are able to socialize, they would be able to reconnect with the current present in a controllable way. Here are more benefits of socialization for dementia patients and why we should encourage them to stay socially active.
Decreased Feelings of Loneliness
As a result of their condition, many individuals with dementia often feel isolated since they are confined in their own world. Loneliness has been related to an increased risk of anxiety, depression, stress, mood disorders, and insomnia, all of which they may be prone to. Involving themselves in controlled socialization can help them to overcome feelings of despair and loneliness.
Experiencing Belonging And Self-Worth
Interaction, on the other hand, increases connections and ties between people. This improves a person’s sense of belonging and minimizes feelings of loneliness. Building and maintaining dementia patients’ social circles can have a protective effect and help them to live a higher quality of life. Interacting with pets or service animals can also help to increase their self-esteem.
Improving Concentration And Focus
When someone socializes, they will be able to keep themselves engaged to the present moment. As a result, when the aging brain spends more time socially engaged and mentally active, the smoother the transition becomes, allowing individuals to do the everyday tasks required for independent living. This concentration actually helps to keep the mind sharp and enables individuals to deal with more intense emotions. The brain strengthens over time, which improves one’s ability to focus.
Supporting Brain Health
Socialization has been demonstrated to enhance brain activity, and while the exact process is unknown, people with a strong social network tend to retain more memories than their more isolated colleagues. Your brain, like all other muscles in your body, needs the training to keep in shape. When the brain is constantly stimulated, functions such as memory retention become easier for the individual.
Creating Overall Happiness
Dementia can be very frustrating for people with dementia and those around them. While this may be misinterpreted as them being upset with you, they are merely frustrated by the constraints imposed on them as a result of their conditions. Allowing dementia patients to be occupied through contact with people and pets allows them to reclaim some control over their lives and thoughts, which leads to joy.
Socializing in A Retirement Community
For seniors to completely reap the health benefits of socialization, they need to be given the right assistance and care. Through purpose-driven activities, opportunities for socializing, and open communication with our team members, Rittenhouse Village At Valparaiso guarantees that your loved ones discover their confidence, independence, and self-esteem. We would be delighted to speak to you about your loved one’s specific senior living requirements if you would like to learn more about our SHINE® Memory Care program.
