Celebrating the importance of connections

National Friendship Day is celebrated each year on the first Sunday in August.

No matter how old you are, it’s a time to celebrate friendships, old and new! As we grow older, friendships still remain an extremely important part to our happiness and well-being.

Our Companions at Seniors for Seniors play a key role in providing clients with care that is coupled with friendship. Research has shown many benefits of friendship and how vital these relationships are to your health. What could happen to seniors who don’t have friends or companions to keep them company?

- Use it or lose it – social activity helps seniors keep their mind sharp!

- Higher rates of depression and poor mental health - friendship leads to greater feelings of worthiness and independence

- Loneliness can lead to other illnesses – social isolation can lead to dementia or other forms of cognitive decline

So what can you do to prevent this? Here are a few suggestions on how you or your loved ones can develop new friendships well into your old age:

1. Accept invitations - Getting out of the house increases the chances of meeting new people. Remember that friends are sometimes found in unlikely places!

2. Join a local seniors centre - Most have a variety of classes, activities and even trips. Stop by and ask for a schedule.

3. Pursue your own interests — music classes, tai chi, cooking classes.

4. Start joining religious activities - Many churches and synagogues make it a point to welcome new people and introduce them into their community.

5. Invite your neighbours for dinner or a cup of tea – make friends with people that live around you.

Depending on your age and ability some of these options may or may not be possible for you. If you are a caregiver for your loved ones, consider joining seniors in these activities, or connect with one of our companions to do so. Using a service like Seniors for Seniors is a great option especially for seniors that aren’t very mobile. With our companions, seniors are able to get out more and continue doing the things they love!

We hope you enjoyed National Friendship Day!

Sources:

http://www.aarp.org/relationships/friends/info-04-2011/never-too-old-for-friends.html