Beatitudes Community

Prolonging Life with Sociability

Having friends and a purpose is as important as diet, exercise, experts say.

In this article, I wanted to give you some validation of what so many of you that have moved here to the campus already know…….sometimes it's great to see it in writing.  We have noticed that there is a new trend that has been rising in the senior community over the past 10 years or so: the desire to stay at home and age in place. Often this is touted as the best option. That to stay in the home that you know reduces anxiety and confusion, and this might be the case for a small percentage of people.

But we know that even in a large metropolitan area like Phoenix with all it has to offer, many seniors in houses are still disconnected from the community, and once they lose the ability to drive, this becomes a serious .

health has been largely ignored until recently. It is seen as being a burden or being needy to ask for constant attention from friends or family, but this is far from the truth. Social and play a huge role in the overall health of seniors in particular.

Many of you know that I often discuss purposeful living as we promote life at Beatitudes Campus.  In fact, it's on my badge as my “B” word – Be Purposeful.  Having a sense of purpose or reason to live is often a problem for seniors who don't have strong connections.  Even those who live with feel like they are a burden, are in the way or just an extra chore in their children's busy schedules.

Many seniors believe staying independent as long as possible makes them “strong” even though they might feel increasingly lonely or isolated.

I'm so proud that so many of you are living testament to correcting this misnomer. Socialization is important in more ways than just the obvious. Not only does it improve mental health and happiness, but also physical health and lifespan. Seniors who have a higher level of social relationships are more motivated to maintain good physical health as opposed to their less socially engaged peers. This can lead to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk for some cardiovascular problems, and some cancers.

Socialization can improve nutrition and boost the immune system since we tend to eat more in social settings. Those with dementia or Alzheimer's show improved cognitive function in social settings, particularly in personal or independent living communities.

Although our faithful friends at the senior centers and other agencies are successfully programing services for many seniors, for others this is not enough. A lifeplan community is often a better option. With 24/7 staff and daily planned activities and meals tailored specifically to seniors, I am proud that Beatitudes Campus offers so much of what you tell us is needed all in one location. Those who remain in a home alone may tend to dwell on the end of life, while I see residents here on campus considering it a new chapter in life, making new friends and creating memories.

Socialization is just as important as eating right and exercise. As the public becomes more aware of this, we will see a great increase in quality of life for everyone, young and old.  You are making it happen through demonstrating every day that purposeful living in a supportive living such as Beatitudes Campus is tremendously good medicine!  for the opportunity to be of service to you and for your continual input into what makes for excellence in the senior living industry!

Author Info: Beatitudes Campus Verified Administrator
At the foundation of Beatitudes Campus is the vision of Church of the Beatitudes pastors and congregation members to create a better alternative for older adults than the nursing homes of the early 1960s. The type of community they imagined was the first of its kind in Arizona. Beatitudes Campus is proud to continue the legacy of our founders, by being a leader in the field of aging services for over 50 years.

Get involved!

Comments

No comments yet