I asked a group of people what socialising means to them and what they gain from it, here is what they said:
“Socialising to me means having a connection with people who nourish me. People who light me up, make me feel warm and that it’s good to be me. In return, I hope the people I socialise with feel heard, cared for and nourished”
“Socialising to me means meeting people, having my world expanded & my life enriched in some way whether that is by making new connections, hearing new ideas or viewpoints, or relaxing & winding down with those I feel most comfortable & at ease with.”
Some of us may already be aware of the positive impact that socializing has, by experiencing the rewards ourselves. I certainly took socializing for granted; I didn’t notice it had such an impact on my mental health until the events over the last couple of years, took socializing away from me, like it has for so many others. Of course I enjoyed socializing with my friends and family, but I didn’t think about how it impacted me health wise.
Mental health is discussed a lot more now than it used to be, but something you can’t see is harder to manage. In my experience the effects of not socializing didn’t hit me until I felt some underlying emotions I couldn’t place. Feeling stuck, alone, frustrated. And when I thought about it more I wondered, how are some people who live on their own coping?
For some of the older generation this time is especially hard. Many people had their older relative move in with them so they could keep them safe through the pandemic, but now the lock-down has finished it’s time for them to move back home, their relatives are going back to work and grandchildren going back to school. This could be a scary time for them. But it could be time for something wonderful, for them to give time to themselves and their hobbies, to meet new people and make new memories.
Here’s some ways socializing can help improve your health:
Reduced stress. Older adults who are socially active handle stress better. This leads to important increases in cardiovascular health and an improved immune system.
Longer lifespan. High levels of socialization in seniors help increase longevity.
More fitness. Older adults with diverse social supports are more likely to exercise regularly, which leads to a host of physical, mental and cognitive benefits.
Reduced risk of depression. Consistent socialization reduces the likelihood that seniors will experience the depression caused by isolation and loneliness.
Less anxiety. Similarly, senior socialization reduces levels of anxiety as well.
Greater self-esteem. Socialization helps seniors maintain their self-esteem and sense of worth.
(The bullet points above found on https://www.actsretirement.org/latest-retirement-news/blog/2017/12/12/the-importance-of-socializing-for-seniors/)
Granted sometimes we’re certainly not always in the mood for socialising, alone time is very important too so we can do the things we love and reflect. But a little socialising certainly helps.
I'm so grateful to say that I can help, whether you have a loved one in mind or you yourself need a little support in beginning to socialise again, please get in touch.
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