By Sherry Saturno, LCSW, LNHA, DCSW
As executive director of Gramatan Village, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with vibrant and active older adults. I have witnessed countless times how critical the importance of human relationships and connection is for elders. There is a strong correlation between human connection and engagement and the overall impact on an elder’s physical and mental health. Seniors who are imbued with a sense of purpose are less likely to succumb to the negative effects of social isolation and loneliness.
Isolation can increase the risk of mortality, falls, and re-hospitalization among older adults. Feelings of loneliness have a negative impact upon an individual’s physical and mental health, and perceived aloneness may contribute to cognitive decline. Social isolation makes seniors more vulnerable to elder abuse, and it can instill a sense of pessimism about the future.
How can seniors avoid becoming socially isolated and reap the benefits of remaining engaged?
Volunteer: Freely offering your time and skills can decrease social isolation and feelings of solitariness . When you help others, you will find something greater than yourself. This experience is an opportunity to channel energy and, for some elders, their grief and challenges into something constructive and meaningful. For example, AmeriCorps Seniors specializes in placing adults ages 55 and over in volunteer placements where their wisdom, talent, and skills may be best utilized.
Prioritize Engagement: Recognize that your mental health and well-being is equally as important as your physical health. Honor your social engagements as you would a doctor’s appointment.
Be Curious: Venture out of your comfort zones, take risks, and try activities you never attempted before. Remaining curious about the world, about learning, and about others is a powerful way to stay engaged.
Obtain Transportation: Physical and geographic location often lead to seclusion, and in the case of seniors who cannot drive, transportation challenges remain a significant barrier to living a full life. Seek out organizations near you that provide transport for elders such as RideConnect and Paratransit.
Address hearing and vision deficits
Promote Purpose: Find what matters most to you.
Keep learning: Embracing learning can also help promote overall well-being and create opportunities for socialization through classes and discussion. DOROT offers the University Without Walls, for seniors who would like to learn more about history, art, and culture via instructional classes over the phone. Take a class.
Seek intergenerational mentoring and activities
Care for an animal: Your new friend doesn’t have to live in your home. Walk dogs at an animal shelter or play with kittens.
Adapt social technology: Learn about social media/technology so that you can connect with new people on-line and friends and family.
Take part in activities at the local library
Explore Your Local Senior Center
It takes a Village: Join a Village near you that supports aging in the community- connect with the national Village to Village Network.
Faith Communities: Contact local churches, synagogues, and other religious organizations as they offer activities and opportunities for socialization.
Take up a hobby: Encouraging hobbies and activities is crucial to remaining engaged in the everyday. What do you love to do?
Sherry Saturno, LCSW, LNHA, DCSW is executive director of Gramatan Village, a non-profit aging-in-community. She is dually licensed as a clinical social worker and nursing home administrator in New York. She is a diplomate in clinical social work, holds master’s degrees from Columbia University School of Social Work and Long Island University School of Management and Public Service, and is a Stanford Certified Project Manager. She graduated from a national post-graduate fellowship in palliative and end of life care at New York University Silver School of Social Work and completed an aging and disabilities certification at Boston University Center for Aging, Disability Education, and Research. Visit gramatanvillage.org to learn more.
