The benefits of keeping seniors active and engaged

Thinkstock Photos 660654876
Encouraging aging parents or loved ones to join a club or to take part in a volunteer opportunity, for instance, has not only psychological but also physiological benefits.

By Jeff Risner, Renaissance of Richfield/Bath

A river of responsibilities flows from the social activities that sustain and propel our lives. In the rush of life, we get caught up in our responsibilities to our children, spouses and co-workers. Yet many of those same responsibilities, the mainstays of aging parents or loved ones lives, have fallen away—kids grow up, spouses pass away and retirement cuts off relationships with co-workers.

As we age, it’s inevitable that we’ll start to drift toward social isolation. Caring for aging parents or loves ones bestows a reciprocal responsibility to enrich their lives by encouraging social activities.

Encouraging aging parents or loved ones to join a club or to take part in a volunteer opportunity, for instance, has not only psychological but also physiological benefits. Increased participation in social activities tends to increase overall opportunities for physical activity. But, more importantly, participation in social activities contributes to a better mood.

Better moods create a cascade of better choices. When we eat in groups, we not only eat more, we make better nutritional choices. Social activities stave off feelings of isolation for a better night’s sleep. Seeking out the company of others leads to better cognitive function. The staff at Renaissance of Richfield/Bath encourages social activities through restaurant outings, cooking classes, arts and educational opportunities, member and family events, exercise classes and happy hours.

Each month there is a new activities calendar. Within Renaissance, Main Street provides a social setting that encourages members connect at the cafe, chapel, culinary arts studio, private dining room, library, gift shop, salon and movie theater.

We encourage families to check in at Renaissance’s vibrant Facebook page and support their aging parent’s or loved one’s pursuit of social activities.

Social activities provide a place and a purpose—a sense of responsibility to present our best selves to the people we choose to share our lives with.

The Renaissance of Richfield/Bath is located at 3975 Everett Road in Richfield. For more information and to schedule a tour of the facility, call 330-313-7000 or visit RenaissanceAssistedLiving.net, where you can take a virtual tour.