Importance of Social Interaction

Social Interaction plays an important role in maintenance of healthy and positive ageing. I have not only read about it in articles and research papers but I actually observed it when I got an opportunity to work directly with senior citizens. I found in one of my study that as compared to those elderly who preferred to stay alone at home, those who participated in social gatherings such as satsangs and recreational activities at clubs or parks and who were volunteering for some social cause were found to have  higher level of satisfaction. They also considered participation in such activities as a major source of well-being in old age.

There are both physical and psychological benefits of being socially active in old age.

According to an article titled “Older Adults and the Importance of Social Interaction” published by Yale Medical Group on their website (http://www.yalemedicalgroup.org/stw/Page.asp?PageID=STW037188) , some of the health benefits of being social in old age are:

·         Potentially reduced risk for cardiovascular problems, some cancers, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis

·         Potentially reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease

·         Lower blood pressure

·         Reduced risk for mental health issues such as depression

Some NGOs in India, who are working for the cause of elderly, are running recreational programmes for enhancement of well-being of senior citizens, which is a great initiative. More and more such programmes are required mainly in old age homes where people are found to be experiencing loneliness, alienation, lower self esteem and loss of purpose in life. Such programmes are also required for those elderly who are living alone and are experiencing empty nest syndrome.

In today’s world when people have more work and less time, involvement in social activities and interactions through recreational activities, volunteering work, second careers and pursuance of hobbies and interests is a must for senior citizens.

Point to reflect: How those elderly, who are staying alone, can be involved in social activities?