If you’re concerned about your aging parents’ social life not being as rich as it should, and if you’re worried they may be experiencing isolation and the negative effects associated with it, such as depression and poor health, a new study has shown that engaging in social media benefits the overall health of the elderly. While many Whitman Senior Living Community and Memory Care Facilities in Duxbury offer a rich curriculum of programs to keep seniors active, engaged, and focused, social media is great way to keep in touch with friends and family living outside of the facility.
According the Guardian, the two-year study conducted in the UK and Italy engaged 120 elderly and individuals from other vulnerable populations in social media platforms such as Facebook and skype while a control group did not engage in social media. The results from the study pointed to an overall improvement in health and well-being for the group who used social media to connect with family and friends. They reported feeling less isolated and a general improvement in mental and physical health, especially for those who were housebound. Researchers found that the group who didn’t use social media had declining health.
By using social media on a regular basis, the elderly and other vulnerable populations are able to use a bridge to reach the outside world. Social media gives them a voice, a networking stage, and a way to stay connected with family, friends, and the community. And there are even social media platforms designed specifically for the elderly. For example, the site Ravelry.com has over 80,000 crocheters and knitters as members and the site AnglingMasters.com is for those who love recreational fishing.
Using social media also improves cognitive function and memory. If you’re looking for a way to help your elderly parents’ improve their memory function with Memory Care Facilities in Duxbury, then finding one that incorporates social media instruction for their residents would be ideal. While nothing can compare to face-to-face interaction, a hug, and a kiss, social media still keeps the elderly from feeling isolated and alone.
For more information about engaged senior living facilities that care about their residents’ health, visit the All American Assisted Living website at http://www.allamericanal.com/.