The Importance of Socialising and Companionship

Introduction

Studies have shown consistent social interaction has many benefits for our physical and mental health, it helps keep the mind active, whether it’s companionship with a family member, friend or carer, it is linked to helping reduce the risk of depression, maintains cognitive function and lowers blood pressure.

For some, living independently can often leave them feeling lonely or isolated and no one should feel this way in their own home.

Staying social is important, especially for those of us in older age, it also comes with various bonuses. By simply enjoying activities like travelling, volunteering and going to hobby groups and classes, this helps you maintain a healthy lifestyle which positively affects us both mentally and physically.

Helpful Ways to Stay Social

Volunteering just a few times a week or month can widen your social network, whilst gaining new skills or you can even offer out your expertise and teach others.

Start a new Hobby or join a class where you can meet new people and learn something new like jewellery making or pottery.

Travelling to new places will encourage you to interact with others. This doesn’t need to be a solo adventure; you can take day trips with a friend or family member.

Attend book clubs, you can find information on a book club in your area from your local library and meet up with like-minded people with a passion for literature. While your there, check in to see if there are any other clubs meeting that you have an interest in.

For more ways to remain sociable please see our previous post 8 Valuable Tips to Combat Loneliness

The Benefits Companionship Provides Those in Older Age

A sense of Belonging – Companionship contributes to the feeling of inclusion and being part of a community. Find ways to increase the number of social encounters you have, you could start with your family members and arrange weekly gatherings with them, you may find this offers you a feeling of renewed purpose.

A boost for Emotional Health – Our emotional health can be greatly affected by daily social interaction as it combats negative emotional impacts such as depression and loneliness.

Improves physical health – Your social circle can help ward off forms of dementia, cognitive decline and help to lower blood pressure. Not only are you enjoying time with your friends but you are keeping healthy whilst you do it!

Provides security – By having other people around you, they act as a support system, meaning you have others to look out for your wellbeing and have someone trustworthy to reach out to if you have any challenges and to talk things through.

Encourages Growth - We live in an ever-changing world, take technology for example, the easiest way to learn a new smart feature is by someone showing you. By having a wide social circle means there is someone to ask to learn how to make a video call or use a new app.

Personal Care – As we get older, we tend to rely on other people for support. This can be in the form of a lift off a family member to a doctor’s appointment or enlisting the services of a Home Care agency for Personal Care which supports you in any daily tasks that you may need a helping hand with, providing you provide you with a familiar face, one that you can come to know and trust.

Don’t forget to also reach out to your friends and neighbours once in a while, make sure they are not feeling lonely!

How We Can Help!

CareYourWay offers invaluable Personal Care and Companionship services.

Our Personal Care service provides you with the support of personal and private hygiene, centred around your wants and wishes, placing you in the centre of all decision making. Our compassionate and friendly teams are all expertly trained to deliver dignified and discreet personal care that follows your schedule and routine, supporting your independence where you’re happiest.

Our Companionship service offers you support with hobbies, interests, attending local events and shows, running errands or simply popping around for a chat over a cup of tea. Our carers will always be there for you, for the times where you want a friend to chat to, or help around the house, companionship covers it all.