It is common knowledge that social interaction improves mood and makes people happier; nobody likes to feel lonely. But did you know that it also improves physical health and even helps people to live longer?
Psychologists have known for quite a while that our psychological states can also affect our physical health, but there has been more concentration on what decreases health than what increases it, like how stress, anxiety, and depression deplete immune function and cause people to get sick more easily, and that loneliness can increase chances of depression and increase systolic blood pressure. But some newer studies are now being able to prove that positive psychological states also have an impact on physical health, and that there are many health benefits to interacting with others.
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), elders with good social well-being actually have less of an inflammatory factor called interleukin-6 in their bodies. This biochemical factor is indicated in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and even some forms of cancer. So, while more research is needed to figure out exactly how this works, it appears that social interaction not only wards off the negative effects of loneliness, but that it goes beyond that to improve overall health and increase longevity.
At Assisted Living by Unlimited Care Cottages, we understand the importance of social interaction and do all we can to make sure residents have many fun ways to socialize and form bonds with each other as well as with our caregivers and visitors. If you have any other questions or would like to know what our availability currently is, contact us today!