Is social support of benefit as we age? What are the benefits of Social Support?

Social interaction has been found to have protective benefits as we age and can assist to main good health and a positive outlook. A lack of social engagement can lead to negative effects on a person’s physical and mental health. According to Bingham-Young University social isolation and loneliness can have a negative impact on a person’s life span similar to that of Obesity. As a person ages, they may find it harder to find opportunities to socialise and get out to meet friends or family.

The benefits from social interaction include a reduction in stress, assisting to reduce the effects of depression and anxiety and can provide a sense of feeling linked in with the local community. Spending time with friend for example can assist to reduce a person’s blood pressure. As a person’s circumstances change it is important to seek out other / new ways to socialise to ensure these needs are still being met.

Some examples of Socialisation may include –

• Attendance at Seniors Groups or Community Clubs
•  Volunteering
• Attendance at Religious events
• Attending free activities held by the local councils
• Socialisation can a fun and enjoyable component in a person’s life.

Sources –

http://www.allaboutlifechallenges.org/socialization-and-aging-faq.htm

http://www.umh.org/assisted-independent-living-blog/bid/271766/the-importance-of-socialization-at-senior-living-communities

http://www.grandparents.com/health-and-wellbeing/health/health-benefits-being-social

Why is it important to maintain our fluid intake as we get older?

The Importance of Staying Hydrated as We Age

The weight of the human body is made up of 60% water. Water is essential for carrying nutrients around our body and aids in the removal of waste products. Water also assists to regulate our body temperature, acts as a shock absorber and lubricates our joints.

A human brain is made up of 73% water therefore if we are not receiving sufficient hydration it can have adverse effects on how our brain functions. In older people this could result in confusion.

Our body regulates how much we eliminate and tells us when we are thirsty through hormone control. Dehydration can occur when a person is too hot or too cold, for example if a person is in a warm house with the heating on. Fluid loss can occur through sweating, vomiting or diarrhoea.

A person who is experiencing dehydration may exhibit some of the following symptoms –

• Increased thirst
• Constipation
• Dark yellow or brown urine
• Dry sticky mouth
• Headache

As a person ages they become more susceptible to dehydration as their ability to detect thirst decreases with age. An older person may also be taking medication which could affect their water balance. Some older people may not be able to readily access drinks or restrict their intake due to fear they may not reach the toilet in time.

To ensure a person is staying hydrated adequate fluid intake for men and women is 2.5L Per day. Older people should be encouraged to take small amounts of fluid frequently throughout the day to maintain adequate hydration.

Some tips to prevent Dehydration in an Older Person

Provide / Have a variety of different drinks and/or pieces of fruit throughout the day to prevent repetition or boredom.

Ensure the drinks / liquid container are readily accessible

Provide yourself or a loved with reminders or prompts to have a drink

Assist to avoid fear of incontinence through regular toilet breaks throughout the day. Decreasing liquids later in the evening, ensuring the bulk of the liquids are consumed during the day.

Sources –

Assisted Living Today http://assistedlivingtoday.com/2012/07/5-tips-for-preventing-dehydration-in-the-elderly/

Natural Hydration Council www.naturalhydrationcouncil.org.uk

Most of us already know the many benefits of maintaining a healthy body, especially as we age.

Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables, unprocessed grains and lean protein, and limiting alcohol intake, are crucial starting points to good physical health. Stopping smoking is another key contributing factor to our health. There is no healthy level of smoking. Scientific evidence shows that if one smokes, they face much higher risks of death and or illness from many different cancers, heart disease, stroke, atherosclerosis, respiratory diseases, and health complications.

Experts also advise to do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most or all days to help keep one’s heart, lungs, muscles and bones healthy. Physical activity helps with fitness, strength, flexibility and balance- all increasingly important as we age. Regular physical activity builds muscle and helps to control weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, pain, as well as bone and joint problems such as osteoporosis and arthritis. It can also reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, some cancers, and help prevent falls and injury. Exercise can include swimming, gardening, walking, yoga, bowls, running and tai chi.

Social engagement and healthy aging

Many of us know our blood pressure and cholesterol… But how often do we think about the benefits of keeping our social lives active as we age? Well, there are many benefits to active social participation and engaging with others as we age!

These include maintaining a healthy brain, helping prevent memory loss, maintaining confidence, strengthening our sense of belonging, creating/ enhancing social relationships and thereby contributing to overall health and wellbeing.

The “use it or lose it” theory of healthy aging might explain this phenomenon. Its hypothesis is that the mental workout associated with social engagement could help to maintain brain health and memory. Take conversation. This challenging activity uses multiple mental skills simultaneously, including attention, listening, reasoning, language, and memory.

Dr Suzanne E. Salamon, Associate Chief for Clinical Geriatrics at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center says that “talking and interacting with people takes energy and makes you work harder, which stimulates your brain. ” Furthermore, she says “so far nothing has been found to prevent dementia except exercise and social engagement.” Conversely, research shows that socially isolated older adults are at greater risk of sickness, disability, and even premature death.

So next time you think about the healthy aging, remember that social engagement is a key factor in keeping a healthy mind.

Sources

www.health.harvard.edu
www.myagedcare.gov.au