The Health Benefits of Socialization

Socialization can provide a number of benefits to your physical and mental health. People who socialize with others tend to live longer than those who are more isolated. Social engagement is associated with a stronger immune system, especially in older adults. It also benefits overall health and enables individuals to fight off colds, the flu or even some types of cancer.  Interacting with others will boost feelings of well-being and decrease feelings of depression. It is vital to create social connections with others in our day program to reap the benefits of social interaction.

The activity department at Element Care makes it a priority to introduce new participants to every individual in our program. This will give the individual an opportunity to engage in conversation with a variety of people. More recently there has been mounting evidence that socialization is good for your overall brain health. People who connect with others generally perform better in cognitive activities. Element Care offers a variety of classes and social programs which create conversation and debate among PACE participants to help with their overall mental health.

Kevin McGee
Activities Specialist at Element Care

LeadingAge: Technology for Community

Element Care’s Avatar program featured in LeadingAge article on Technology for Community – Section: Putting Avatars to Good Use.

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Carol Pallazolla Wins Unsung Heroine Award [Gloucester Times]

Element Care’s Education and Outreach Coordinator, Carol Pallazolla was recognized for her efforts in helping seniors at the Unsung Heroine Awards.

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Types Of Activities Best Suited For Older Adults

According to health.gov, regular exercise for older adults can help lower their risk for developing diseases such as: high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, osteoporosis and more. Yet, our bodies are composed of much more than just kinetic mechanisms. At Element Care, a full range of engaging activities target the eight-dimensions of wellness that help make a person whole: physical, emotional, spiritual, occupational, multi-cultural, emotional, environmental and intellectual.

Engaging in one, or more of these dimensions help stimulate various parts of that three pound organ we call the brain. Music for instance stimulates the frontal lobe which is responsible for emotions, and most people can’t deny Elvis Presley’s song, “Love Me Tender.” Music also kindles the parietal lobe which is in charge of how we interpret lyrics. The temporal lobe allows us to hear the catchy tunes as it sinks us back into the days of bell-bottoms, activism and memorable notes by The Temptations.

Other activities that are beneficial to older adults are: support groups where a safe environment can lead to personal growth and friendships, creative challenges such as expressive art or simple coloring that can evoke a calming feeling or educational experiences where one can feel a sense of accomplishment at any age. Legendary artist, Michelangelo said at the young age of 87, “I am still learning.” Our brains are undeniably our most treasured organ, and with 5.7 million people in the U.S. living with Alzheimer’s disease older adults must continue to nurture their brain by offering a well-rounded approach to FUN!

Kate Bennett
Activities Specialist at Element Care