We all know that staying physically active as you get older has a number of benefits.

It strengthens your heart and bones, it lowers your cholesterol, it decreases the risk of developing dementia, and it’s good for your sleep pattern. But what about the importance of staying socially active as we age?

Social planning might actually be as important as financial and medical planning to health and wellbeing in retirement. Studies show that aging adults who live social lives have fewer health issues, both physically and mentally.

A study from the Rush University Memory and Aging Project shows us that social engagement is associated with better cognitive function for older people.

An active social life is not only good for your well being, it also helps you prevent depression as well as Alzheimer’s and dementia, according to a report from The Centre of Aging on social participation and its benefits. It reduces stress and it actually keeps you fit as well as sharp, because it gets you up and out of the couch!

Maintaining an active social life can be a challenge when you retire, but it’s well worth the effort, according to the study. Ambera at Desert Springs is a community where everyday provides a new opportunity to learn something new and meet like minded people through shared interests.

With plenty of optional activities to choose from every day, both socializing and solitude will always be a choice.

Go to Activities and Social Life now to learn more about how Ambera builds active and social communities by helping residents to organize groups and activities based on their individual interests.

Sources:

Overview and Findings from the Rush Memory and Aging Project  

Social Participation and its benefit