Senior Living Communities Offer Companionship

We know that many seniors in the U.S. admit to feeling lonely.  One factor may be that 11 million people (28%) aged 65 years and older lived alone in 2010 as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.  Also the older people get, the greater the likelihood their spouse or other supportive family members have passed away.  AARP reports another reason is more and more aging adults do not have children, which means they do not have as big of a safety net to rely on.  Also seniors can lose their mobility, which makes it harder to participate in social activities, and many seniors no longer can or want to drive. 

Senior isolation and loneliness is a serious problem and has even been associated with a higher risk of mortality in adult 52 years and older as reported in a 2012 study by the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).  The researchers explain that “people who live alone or lack social contacts may be at increased risk of death if acute symptoms develop, because there is less of a network of confidantes to prompt medical attention.”  They say that efforts to reduce isolation are key to addressing the issue of mortality.

In another study by Dr. John T. Cacioppo and Louse C. Hawkley, the authors suggest that feelings of loneliness are linked to poor cognitive performance and quicker cognitive decline. Their research indicates that “perceived social isolation (i.e., loneliness) is a risk factor for, and may contribute to, poorer overall cognitive performance, faster cognitive decline, poorer executive functioning, more negativity and depressive cognition.”

While MorningStar at Jordan is honored to provide seniors with a comfortable, safe place for carefree retirement years, our community also provides residents the opportunity for healthy socialization.  Whether it is sitting in one of our inviting common areas chatting with a friend or participating in one of our wellness programs or activities, residents have the level of privacy they need while easily interacting with others.  We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about our community.  Then give us a call to set up tour to experience firsthand our beautiful home.

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan, we represent the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please contact us to schedule a tour.      

Sources:

aplaceformom.com/blog/10-17-14-facts-about-senior-isolation/

pnas.org/content/110/15/5797.full 

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2752489/