There are many factors that help promote healthy aging, from exercise to eating healthy and getting a full eight hours of sleep. These factors are essential at any stage in life, but for older adults, friendships also play an essential role in aging. With a strong, supportive group of friends, you may live a longer and healthier life.

Research has found that staying connected to your friends will encourage you to socialize more frequently and will also help you stay active in your community. This may also help you stay on track with health screenings and other essential self-care efforts.

Isolation from friends can lead to a sedentary lifestyle that can put you at risk of developing a variety of health issues such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and depression. At Paramount Senior Living, your top choice among local retirement homes, we’ve put together some information on why friendships are important for older adults as they age.

How Do Our Friends Influence Our Health?

When surrounding yourself with friends, you grow older, it is important to surround yourself with the type of people who will encourage good habits. For example, if your friends are active and

like to go walking regularly, this will likely help you be more active as well. The same is true if your friends lead more sedentary lives.

If your friends are unhealthy eaters or smoker, you are more likely to join them in indulging in unhealthy habits that can increase your risk of cancer, high blood pressure, and other life-limiting diseases.

Ways You Can Rebuild Your Social Networks

Many times, seniors will find that their social circles are decreasing due to a variety of factors that they are unable to control. Some friends may retire and move away to be closer to their children and grandchildren, or they may retire and move away to a warmer climate. Older adults also face their friends, passing away more often than in their younger years.

As these changes in your social circle occur, there are ways you can meet new people and rebuild your social network. New avenues to explore to make new connections include:

• Volunteering for a local nonprofit
• Joining a senior group at a local church or synagogue
• Joining an interest group such as a photography club
• Take part in a book club at a local library
• Join a program for older adults at a local fitness center

Another way to increase your social network is to move into one Paramount Senior Living’s Assisted Living communities. As a resident, you will find a supportive group of friends and plenty of activities and amenities to enjoy. When you search for “senior communities near me,” be sure to choose Paramount Senior Living. Contact us today to learn more!