Social Support Activities Lead to Better Quality of Life As One Ages

August 8, 2011 - By the NCPC

How important is social support as a person ages? This may seem like an easy question to answer. Most people would not choose isolation and loneliness versus spending time with companions. However, can a lack of social support really hinder a person's overall quality of life?

Lack of social support is related to negative impacts on health and well being, especially for older people. Having a variety of positive social supports can contribute to psychological and physical wellness of elderly individuals. Support from others can be important in reducing stress, increasing physical health, and defeating psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.

When considering who provides social support for an elderly individual, our first thoughts are of family members. While it is true that most support does come from family members, there are many circumstances in which family members cannot be supportive (stress due to responsibilities, illness, death, financial problems, job relocation). In the United States, the fastest-growing age group of individuals is those 85 years and older. Due to this, family support will inevitably decrease for these older individuals. The need for community-based services is more important now than ever before.

Community-based services can be beneficial for elderly individuals. Services for older people can encompass many areas, but as discussed previously, one of the most important areas is social support. Support for elderly people can be found in many places, including senior centers, assisted living facilities, meal delivery, religious affiliations, adult day care centers, etc. These services can provide positive social support to help older people defeat loneliness and isolation. However, social support must encompass more than physical presence or conversation. Studies have shown that social support services should contain quality activities. These activities should promote positive self-awareness.

Self-awareness is key to a person's overall quality of life and satisfaction. Many leisure social activities can help increase an individual's self-awareness. Activities for elderly individuals may include reminiscence groups, journal writing, readings of favorite book passages, group exercise, singing groups, etc. Individuals may also feel more self-satisfied if they are part of the planning of social activities.

Two of these community-based service centers that provide quality social support services for elderly individuals are discussed below.

Senior Citizen Centers

Today, there are about 15,000 senior centers across the United States. Senior centers are a focal point for older Americans to receive many aging services. The most common services offered at a senior center include health programs (including Zumba and Yoga), arts/humanities activities, intergenerational programs, employment assistance, community action opportunities, transportation services, volunteer opportunities, education opportunities, financial aid, senior rights counseling/legal services, travel programs and meal programs. These programs and activities can help promote positive self-awareness.

Lori Beckle describes how participating in her local senior citizens center has given her the independence and life satisfaction she thought was lost when her husband died in 2009. "I was devastated and so frightened for my future without Ed. He was my only friend and the one I turned to when I felt alone. My daughter invited me to attend our local senior center, where a bereavement group was being held for those who had lost a loved one. I met Phyllis during the group meeting, and now I have a new friend I call when I am afraid. Phyllis has helped me develop the skills to overcome tough times and focus on my immediate happiness."

Adult Day Care Centers

According to the National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA), more than 4,600 adult day care centers are nationwide. Adult daycare is a program in which activities are provided to promote social support and health services to older adults during the daytime. Most centers operate Monday through Friday during daytime hours. Social support services at an adult daycare can include musical entertainment and singing groups, card games, gentle exercise, discussion groups (books, films, current events), holiday/birthday celebrations, and local outings. Not only are these social activities provided, but program participants can also develop lasting relationships with staff and other participants. Adult daycare centers also provide meals and health services. Adult day care centers differ from other programs for elderly individuals because they allow the participants to develop and increase self-awareness by encouraging independence.

Amanda describes her experience as a volunteer at her local adult daycare center. She stated, "I was planning the activities for Thursday afternoons. I wasn't sure what activities my older friends would enjoy, so I had them share their favorite activities they participated in when they were my age (23). I soon realized I was hearing the fascinating stories of hopping trains, college dances, swimming in the lake, etc. We decided Thursday afternoons would spotlight everyone's life as a twenty-something. One of the participants told me that Thursdays became a highlight for her week.'

Adult Day Care Centers and Senior Citizen Centers help elderly individuals participate in social support activities. These activities can be beneficial to a person's quality of life and overall satisfaction. With a higher self-awareness and quality of life, an individual can reduce the risks of mental and physical health problems as they age.