What do you see when you imagine yourself as an older person? Maybe you’re surrounded by friends with an active social life—or maybe you’re spending your days with a partner, enjoying retirement. You’re most likely not picturing yourself alone. Unfortunately, the lack of senior companionship is a growing problem. Polls show that approximately one third of older adults report feelings of loneliness and isolation.
The loss of a spouse or significant other, shrinking social circles and a lack of nearby family can all contribute to senior isolation. Other factors like being hard of hearing, lack of mobility or poor eyesight can make it difficult to visit friends or participate in activities and conversations. The National Institute on Aging points to a higher rate of health issues like heart disease, high blood-pressure, depression and cognitive decline in socially isolated seniors.
The Benefits of Companionship for Seniors
No matter your age, strong personal connections and deep human bonds are essential to happiness and emotional wellbeing.
Seniors who have active social lives and a solid support network are generally healthier, have higher cognition and have better mental health than their peers who are more isolated. There is even evidence that having regular social interactions and feeling close connections can boost your immune system. So, it’s important that we maintain friendships, and make new ones, as we age.
If you’re not sure where to start looking for senior companionship, here are a few ideas:
- Join an art class, cooking group or book club.
- Stay physically active. Try a bowling league, walking group or dance lessons.
- Make connections at your place of worship.
- Check out a senior center. Many offer a variety of activities geared to different interests and designed to bring people together.
- Volunteer. Share your time with a worthwhile cause in your community.
Companion Care Services
If you live alone, or are unable to get out easily, companion care is a wonderful option for assistance. Companion care is a service that matches you with a professional, dedicated companion caregiver based on your interests and how much help you may need for daily activities—always making sure you and your caregiver are a good fit.
Companion care services can include:
- Transportation for shopping or doctor’s appointments
- Healthy meal prep
- Medication reminders
- Help with household chores
And most importantly, company. Our companion caregivers enjoy a good conversation, a fun board game or round of cards, going for walks and many other activities.
Support and Senior Companionship
FirstLight Home Care’s Companion Care Services can enhance quality of life for older adults by providing regular visits, conversation and company to seniors in need of social contact. Sometimes all it takes is a friendly interaction, shared mutual interests and kind gestures to bring joy and comfort to an older adult who’s aging in place.
Let’s make a connection – find a FirstLight location today!