Our older years come with significant change. Changes in routine, relationships, and health can impact an individual’s ability to feel connected to their community and their loved ones. Without this connection, many older adults experience chronic loneliness, further diminishing their quality of life.
Chronic loneliness is known to adversely affect an individual’s physical and mental wellness. According to the CDC, chronic loneliness can cause depression, anxiety, and dementia. Additionally, it can increase the risk of heart disease and lead to more hospitalizations. Given these severe consequences, older adults and their loved ones must take steps to combat chronic loneliness. For many older adults in Naperville, IL, an assisted living community can provide a meaningful solution.
How an Assisted Living Community Combats Chronic Loneliness
A Naperville, IL, assisted living community can alleviate loneliness in several ways. While older adults living in their homes independently may find it difficult to stay connected to their loved ones and the community, an assisted living community provides opportunities for new relationships and support in fostering old relationships.
Opportunity to build new relationships
Making new friends can be challenging at any age. However, an assisted living community offers plenty of opportunities to build new friendships with fellow residents and friendly team members. Residents can meet others with similar interests, or receive support in navigating life’s changes through peer support groups. Many assisted living communities also have an on-site social worker who assists residents through their transition, and in building new friendships.
Access to Technology
Access to technology is another way that assisted living communities support older adults in combating loneliness. Some older adults may struggle to use technology effectively to stay connected. Video calls, emails, and text messages are just a few ways residents can stay connected, and a care team is always available to provide support using unfamiliar devices. Residents can utilize technology to stay connected with their loved ones outside of the Naperville area.
Social Dining Programs
For many, eating is a social activity with positive benefits such as decreased loneliness and improved nutrition. Some older adults living independently have fewer opportunities to dine with others. An assisted living community offers the opportunity to those who would like it, to enjoy their meal with other residents. An assisted living community offers the chance to enjoy healthy, delicious meals in company.
Fostering Older Relationships
Assisted living communities support their residents in maintaining long-term relationships. Beautiful entertainment areas and private apartments allow residents to feel comfortable hosting their loved ones. Many communities even encourage residents to bring loved ones to events or for a delicious meal in a restaurant-style dining room. For older adults who enjoy hosting but find it daunting to do at home, an assisted living community makes it easy to focus on what matters most - spending time with your loved ones.
Connection to greater Naperville, IL
Maintaining a connection to the broader community is a key element of combating chronic loneliness. Feeling a sense of meaning and belonging helps fulfill a sense of purpose. With engagement opportunities that connect to the community, such as visits from local students or ceremonies honoring local veterans, residents can remain connected to Naperville. Scheduled transportation allows residents to do errands, attend medical appointments, and enjoy trips to popular sites in the area, like one of nearby Chicago’s many museums.
With so many ways to stay connected, both extroverts and introverts can find the right balance of socialization that keeps them fulfilled in an assisted living community. Whether they enjoy making new friends or spending time with loved ones, there are endless opportunities. All combined, these options have the power to decrease chronic loneliness and subsequent health issues.
If you or a loved one is experiencing loneliness or anticipating a future change, consider whether an assisted living community in Naperville, IL, is a fit for you. Schedule a tour at Arbor Terrace Naperville to meet some of our helpful team members and friendly residents. While you’re here, check out the engagement calendar to see what’s coming up, stop into the dining room for a meal with residents, and tour the beautifully designed common spaces.
