THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN A COMMUNITY

You’ve almost certainly experienced the joy and sense of belonging that comes from being a member of a supportive community. However, did you know that there are also numerous physiological and psychological benefits that come from being involved in a community? In today’s post, we’ll review a few of the most prominent benefits and explain why you should make an effort to become more involved in our senior living apartments’ thriving community. Get in touch with Liberty Ridge Senior Living today to learn more!

MEANING AND MENTAL HEALTH

Numerous studies on the elderly and social interaction suggest that isolation and loneliness have negative health implications. This makes sense when you consider that many older adults lose touch with their friends and see their families infrequently. It’s difficult to make new friends as we age, and far too many seniors find themselves simply trying to make it through another day.

Seniors in this position are missing out on a variety of health benefits that could improve their well-being and lengthen their lives. One of the most significant findings in recent years is that seniors with a strong support network are less likely to develop memory problems as they age. In fact, one study found that those who report feeling extremely lonely are more than twice as likely as those who have a strong social network to develop memory problems. 

The health benefits don’t end here, however. Research also shows that being engaged in a community creates feelings of meaning, belonging, and purpose. Having a sense of meaning and purpose can, in turn, alleviate the feelings of loneliness and depression that often come with aging. Alleviating these feelings is certainly a good thing, but the other health benefits of becoming a part of a community include:

• Reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduced risk of heart disease
• Lower mortality risk

KNOWLEDGE

Aside from the numerous health benefits, one of the best reasons to join a community is to learn from others in the group. There’s only so much that you can learn on your own, and becoming involved in a community of people with different viewpoints and interests is one of the best ways to learn something new. You may even discover a passion for a hobby you never expected to be interested in!

Our senior living apartments have a wide range of community activities that can help you learn new skills and keep your mind active, including cooking classes, book clubs, Bible studies, and many other educational opportunities.

You can find more information about our daily events on our Activities page.

These are just a few of the ways in which becoming involved in a community can help you lead a healthier and happier life. Keep an eye on our blog page for future posts in which we’ll continue to provide you with information about the activities and special events at our assisted living community. Get in touch with us to learn more about why Liberty Ridge Senior Living is the perfect place for you!