The Importance of Staying Social as You Age

More and more research is pointing to the substantial impact our interpersonal relationships have on longevity. From Harvard to BYU, these studies indicate that ahead of our genes, ahead of factors like diet and exercise, our chances of living longer are affected most by the quality of our close relationships and the level of daily social interaction we experience.

Susan Pinker, author of “The Village Effect,” said in her 2017 TED Talk, “It’s a biological imperative to know we belong.” It’s a statement she made because of the myriad benefits we as people receive from being a part of close-knit communities where face-to-face contact is an everyday occurrence. In this way, the importance of social support in old age and benefits of social activities for the elderly should become top of mind for every senior.

National Geographic fellow and New York Times best-selling author Dan Buettner is a firm believer in this imperative as well. After searching the world for the places where people are significantly more resilient than the average person, Buettner discovered five distinct locations where the social needs of older adults are naturally integrated into nearly every facet of daily life. He and his team found that in these “Blue Zones,” not only do people understand the importance of social interaction for elderly members of the community, but they also understand the value of fostering close, meaningful relationships at every stage of life.

In these places where people seem to have unlocked the secrets to a long, happy and healthy life, you’ll find one thing without fail – from family members and next-door neighbors to shopkeepers and religious leaders, individuals are actively engaged in the well-being of those who share in their community. And this deep-rooted social integration is not by happenstance. These communities support and protect their own by design. It’s a way of living that may seem more foreign to us today, in a time when modern conveniences and more suburban city structures can lead to greater isolation from our peers and our communities.

By implementing the lessons of these unique places and this powerful research, we can in many respects build our own personal village. We can counteract the way our lives have evolved away from the more communal models of the past, and reap the rewards of being in an environment that surrounds us with caring support and the opportunities to share that same reinforcement with others.

Within The Ridge Senior Living’s family of communities, we’re doing just that. Looking beyond simply a calendar of social activities for seniors, and instead building the foundation for a more fulfilling and connected lifestyle. Encouraging residents to embrace daily chances to live their purpose among counterparts that quickly become a family network they can count on. Empowering team members to be present, to listen, learn, and employ an attitude of gratitude in everything they do. All with the intention of crafting a senior living experience that enhances the lives of the seniors we serve in meaningful, tangible ways.