It can be incredibly lonely post-retirement. Spending time with family is incredibly important for your loved ones as prolonged loneliness can lead to depression and other poor health conditions. Continue reading to learn how regular family time can boost the physical, emotional, and mental health of your loved ones.
Companionship
Having strong ties with children and grandchildren can provide your loved ones with the companionship they need to live an enjoyable and colorful life. You should visit your loved ones as often as possible and make an effort to stay in contact through phone calls or video calls. Letting them know that emotional support is available will also do wonders for them and keep depression at bay. When your loved ones have support networks, they will be better equipped to deal with the challenges of aging.
Brain Stimulation
Regular social interaction will also help to provide much-needed mental stimulation to stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases. When going out on outings or participating in family games, your loved ones will have to utilize critical thinking skills, as well as retain and process memories. Regular conversations will also help your loved ones to increase their vocabulary. Since the brain is also a muscle, exercising it regularly will help to improve short-term and long-term memory.
If there is cognitive decline in your loved ones, it might be time to consider hiring a professional caregiver. Alternatively, you can also sign them up for a senior living community that has a memory care program. Since they are equipped with proper expertise and training, you can rest assured that the care professionals will be able to take care of your loved ones and handle the changes that come with dementia.
Physical Health
Inactivity is a huge issue in older adults. The lack of movement and sun exposure can lead to rapid muscle and bone density decline, making it even harder for them to move around or even stand up. Having family around will encourage your loved ones to get out of the house for family outings, walks, and more. With regular activity, your loved ones will be able to maintain an ideal weight, strengthen their muscles, and boost their heart health.
Additionally, spending time together usually means having a meal together. When older adults eat meals alone, they might find it a hassle to do grocery shopping and cook nutritious meals for one person. As such, they might opt for skipping meals or going for convenient food such as fast food, resulting in the decline of their health. Family members can help by cooking nutritious meals and encouraging healthy eating habits.
A Welcoming Community at Discovery Village At The Forum
Discovery Village At The Forum is a resort-style living community perfect for retired individuals. Residents who stay with us will be able to enjoy all of the benefits listed above and remain healthy. Our friendly team and community residents will interact with your loved ones and take part in fun activities and events together with them. With a full calendar of activities scheduled, they’ll never run out of things to participate in. They’ll also be able to enjoy restaurant-style dining as well as fitness classes and amenities. To learn more about our community, contact us today!