Why Being Social Improves Memory Care

Memory loss is common with senior populations. When a person becomes unable to take care of themselves, the more they seem to lose memories, as well as forget daily tasks and responsibilities. Oftentimes, the memory loss occurs after a spouse dies and the senior person is alone, with little social interaction on a daily basis with others.

Many research studies have shown how socializing improves memory care. Let’s explore why, as well as how that’s accomplished when a senior citizen socializes in assisted living.

Affirming & Accepting Life

When older people meet new peers, or people around their ages who live in the same environment, they tend to develop new mental associations as being part of a peer group. The socialization in turns creates a sense of belonging that is highly affirming for shared values, behaviors, communication, traditions, and life in general.

Socializing with other seniors reinforces the idea of being an individual, and it provides a sense of duty to others. Social communication works to balance the part of the self that may become depressed and overly focused on aches, pains, ailments, diseases, and mortality. In turn, it also shows that others are experiencing the same things, which helps with the acceptance of the elderly stage of life.

For every aspect of life that is affirmed, old memories are shared, and new memories are created. Memory care directly relates to keeping the mind active, and being social helps keep the mind active.

Engaging & Energizing Life

When senior people live alone, they often stop trying new things, getting enough exercise, and even doing simple activities they enjoy, especially with others. While living in an assisted living environment, they have access to social activities, and this is how we all engage and stay energetic about life.

Whether it’s through moving the body, learning something new, or simply keeping the mind occupied with others, social activity slows down the memory loss process. Even the activity of social communication, and laughter, energizes the parts of the mind that start to go dormant due to memory loss.

For more information about quality assisted living that promotes social activities and aids memory care, contact us today.