The Importance of Senior Socialization

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By Nathan Brandon

So, theres good news and bad news. The good news is that people are living longer than ever before. The bad news is that people are living longer than ever before. If youre over 65, you probably perceive this as good news. The Baby Boomer generation, now aging into the Social-Security-eligible population, has been referred to as the pig in the python by those who track population trends. Suddenly, the percentage of our population ages 65 and older has exploded. Medical advances and leading a healthier lifestyle make it possible to live a longer, more productive life.

Whats the bad news? Many parents are asking their children to never put them anywhere and to promise that they will always keep them in their own homes. In fact, many parents declare, The only way Im leaving my home is feet first, after Im dead. Well, now we have a problem. The senior is making family members promise something that may not be possible, and sometimes, it creates the most detrimental situation. Consider several scenarios when a senior insists on staying in their own home:

Social isolation occurs when the older adult is no longer able to participate in activities that provide interaction and stimulation. Social isolation can lead to more rapid mental decline because of the cocooning environment where community affairs are no longer accessible. It no longer matters what day of the week it might be or whether balanced meals are prepared and eaten. The isolation increases over time, and the health declines for the senior adult.

Elder abuse is more likely because of the trusting nature of many seniors. Without watchful oversight, those who may be hired to be companions for seniors often end up violating that trust. What starts out as a simple expectation of companionship evolves into opportunities to take advantage of the senior. Trust is abused, and caregivers can become predators.   Relationships may be developed that are harmful for the senior and make it difficult for families to protect their loved ones.

Caregivers or family members can end up socially isolated themselves because of the care demands of the senior. The day-to-day care sometimes increases to a point where the caregiver has no time for their own personal pursuits. Relationships with friends and family are strained and sometimes neglected. Two people are now affected negatively when the intention was to provide the very best care for a loved one.

There are more options now than ever before for the aging population. The misconception of many seniors is that the only alternative to their staying in their home is a nursing home environment, where skilled nursing care is the norm. Nothing could be further from the truth. Communities now exist that address every aspect of a seniors life in a healthy and productive way. Seniors have the option of having their freedom with a balance of oversight that provides peace-of-mind for their families. Elder care can be provided for as few as five or six in personal care homes to hundreds in assisted living and continuing care communities. These communities provide the support and care that is needed to live a productive, enjoyable lifestyle. Good nutrition, social programming, proper hydration and watchful oversight create an atmosphere where seniors can thrive.

If for some reason families choose not to consider these types of communities, there are social service agencies in each municipality that provide opportunities for social interaction and nutrition. Typically, senior centers are within driving distance to help provide social opportunities for seniors at a reasonable cost. Funding through the Older Americans Act provides Area Agency on Aging offices around each state to distribute funds for the support of families needing assistance. Cherokee County Senior Services is located at 1001 Univeter Road in Canton (770-345-2675), and Senior Services North Fulton is located at 3060 Royal Boulevard in Alpharetta (770-993-1906). These agencies provide a range of services that help to allow seniors to safely stay in their homes for as long as possible. Meals on Wheels, homemaker services, case managers, information services and activities in local centers provide invaluable services.

So, what started out as a promise made in good faith to a loved one, became an edict that can have negative consequences for all involved. Before any assurances or promises are made, it would be wise to explore all possible alternatives. Its difficult enough for a child to become the decision maker for their parents without the added guilt of a broken promise. Choices become necessary for the health and safety of the senior, which may often require that preferences for in-home aging take a backseat. Knowing all available options removes the doubt that a good decision has been made.

Nathan Brandon is the director of marketing and communications for Camellia Place Assisted Living Community, 294 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-296-1513. CamelliaPlace.com