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Why Seniors Shouldn't be Stuck at Home

The relationship between strength and physical activity has always been well-documented, but several studies have also shown stronger connection between socializing and physical and mental well-being for old people.

While social interaction is important for everyone, irrespective of age, old people can be more vulnerable to isolation. A lot of seniors have spent a good part of their lives interacting with others – be it raising children or meeting people at work. After reaching retirement, and with kids leaving the house, the chances for socialization normally decrease, particularly if the person has to rely on other people for transport.

Here are a few reasons why seniors must not be stuck at home:

Mental health: Signs such as memory problems and depression affect several seniors. It is believed that going out often and interacting with other people can reduce both these issues. Research shows that social contact and physical activity are very effective in improving the quality of life and the person’s mood. In fact, living an active lifestyle affects the psychological health of a person considerably.

Improved nutrition: Proper intake of nutrition is very important for senior citizens, but healthy habits are difficult to maintain while living alone. Seniors who travel to the hospitals or interact with people of similar ages discover the importance of a balanced diet. Moreover, people are also likely to eat more when they are in a friendly and lively environment.

Better physical health: Several studies have revealed that a good social life can lower blood pressure, improve the immune system, and decrease physical pain which is reinforced due to depression.

Going out is extremely important for people of all ages and especially for the elderly. Continuing to attend social gatherings, medical appointments, and the like assists old people in staying active and promotes a sense of happiness and wellbeing. This also keeps them up to date with the happenings in the society. It is very easy for seniors to slip into a lonely, self contained world and when this happens they risk losing out on their personal identity.

How Can Old People stay connected?

A lot of seniors have caregivers who occasionally interact with them, but this is normally not enough. Although it is comforting for old people to know that their basic requirements are being met, proper social interaction comprises of participating or engaging with others, mainly with friends.

Here are a few avenues that can help the elderly stay connected socially:

  • Join groups and clubs
  • Volunteer
  • Stay connected with family and friends
  • Move into retirement communities
  • Get a pet
  • Learn new skills
  • Attend a church
  • Become internet savvy

Safe Transportation:

One of the biggest reasons why most seniors end up restricted inside their houses is lack of safe transportation. They either don’t know how to drive or are medically impaired to sit inside a normal car. For such people, there are several companies that offer medical transportation. This form of transit has numerous benefits. For instance, such medical vans are equipped with equipment such as I.V. units and heart paddles. Some medical transport vehicles also come with professional paramedics and registered nurses on board who can assist in saving a senior’s life in case of an emergency.

These companies are normally privately run and have to be hired by the patient or his/her family. Such form of travel benefits patients who require medical equipment or supervision during a long journey. The patient can greatly benefit from traveling in medical coaches created for upmost care and comfort, and to relieve the family members from the worries of constant medical supervision.

Tags: medical transport vehicles