Senior Citizens - Social Support and Health Education

 

It is important that we take care of our elderly and Social Support for elderly helps in this area. Studies show that elderly who receive care and assistance are happier and healthier than those who do not. The support they receive is also important in preventing depression in the elderly. The following are some ways Social Support for elderly can help you or your loved one.

According to the present study, elderly who have regular social contact have fewer complaints and lower symptoms of stress and anxiety. This is especially true when compared to elderly who have no contact with family. Those who attend regular assisted living facilities or nursing homes, however, suffer from higher levels of social isolation.

In nursing homes, elderly who have frequent social support suffer from a higher risk of developing psychological illnesses such as depression and dementia. Social interaction, according to research, releases hormones that may reduce stress and anxiety, which may lead to depression. Moreover, the presence of elderly people and elderly care givers can promote better social integration, which can decrease the risk of mental health issues. Therefore, social support for the elderly can be a preventative measure for both physical and mental health problems. The present study also indicates that those with more social support tend to have better caregiver interactions, which improved quality of life.

Another study shows that elderly who engage in social interaction, form greater bonds with other individuals, and gain social support are less likely to develop anxiety and depression. These findings are supported by a literature review that reports that elderly with social support are less depressed than those who do not have social support. Also, those who participated in social activities were less likely to experience dementia or cognitive impairment. The benefits of social interaction extended beyond preventing depression and dementia. The researchers believe that the participation in social activities can reduce the risk of heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.

There is also a significant relationship between perceived social support and depression. The results of this study indicate that there is a significant relationship between perceived social support and depression. A strong positive correlation was found between perceived social support and lower levels of depression. This finding is noteworthy because depression can be a serious and even debilitating condition. Therefore, it is imperative that mental health professionals are able to identify those at risk for depression, as early as possible.

In addition to a significant relationship between perceived social support and depression, there is a significant relationship between anxiety and depression. Those who engaged in social activities were significantly less likely to experience anxiety or depression. Those who did not participate in social activities were more likely to report higher levels of anxiety and depression. The results from this study suggest that those who engage in social interaction are less likely to experience stress and anxiety, which can lead to depression and anxiety.

Overall, this is an excellent study that highlights the importance of addressing the needs of the rural elderly. The current economic environment makes it increasingly difficult for the elderly to maintain their standard of living. The results of this study indicate that those who have access to the social support systems that are available through volunteerism and organizations, are able to reduce their depressive symptoms. Although many people may view volunteerism as something that is out of their scope, this is a very important service for our communities to provide. Even relatively small communities can benefit from the involvement of these types of volunteer organizations. This demonstrates the importance of implementing policies that will ensure adequate social support for the elderly.

Although many people have strong opinions about volunteerism, the benefits of such participation are well-documented. Studies like this one, not only highlight the need for increased social support efforts for the elderly; they also provide methods by which this type of support can be achieved. If you, or someone you know, are interested in pursuing a career in helping the elderly, it is important that you explore the possibility of joining a volunteer program geared towards senior citizens. It will offer you the opportunity to not only make a significant contribution to your community, but to help the most vulnerable members of our society.