Overcoming the Dangers of Social Isolation: How Assisted Living Can Help

Older adults living alone are at higher risk for experiencing social isolation, loneliness and depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.” This can dramatically impact a person’s physical and mental wellness and overall well-being. 

Astral at Auburn, our assisted living community in Auburn, Indiana, is designed to give older adults opportunities to socialize, connect and receive the support they need to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

Social isolation can affect a person’s ability to thrive as they age. In addition, recent studies have shown that loneliness and isolation have been connected to other health problems, such as depression, heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases. 

Fortunately, individuals and families considering assisted living can rest assured knowing Astral at Auburn can help. With a warm and welcoming environment, care specialists who deliver personalized support and a robust social calendar that rotates based on resident interest, our Auburn, Indiana assisted living community not only supports the physical needs of our residents but serves their mental and emotional needs as well.

As the National Institute on Aging writes: “There are things you can do to help protect yourself or a loved one from the negative effects of loneliness and social isolation. First, it’s important to take care of yourself. Try exercising, eating healthy, getting enough sleep (7 to 9 hours), and pursuing activities you enjoy to help manage stress and stay as mentally and physically healthy as possible. It’s also important to stay active and connect with others. People who engage in meaningful, productive activities they enjoy with others feel a sense of purpose and tend to live longer.” 

The good news is that assisted living at Astral at Auburn provides every one of these protections against loneliness and social isolation!

Assisted Living: Physical Health Benefits

One of the best ways that assisted living can help older adults overcome loneliness and social isolation is through physical activities and a focus on health. Astral at Auburn provides exercise classes and programs geared toward a wide range of abilities and skill levels, allowing residents to exercise safely and improving their muscle strength and cardiovascular health. 

When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers. Simply put, when you engage in regular moderate exercise, you feel better. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to find community centers and classes that offer specialized exercise programs. And if they do, transportation can often be another obstacle for older adults living alone.

At Astral at Auburn, classes are often held in our beautiful community, making them accessible to all residents and guests. We also offer fresh and healthy meals each day and a variety of delicious snacks, ensuring that residents maintain their physical health and nutrition.

Assisted Living: Mental Health Benefits

Along with the physical health benefits of assisted living, there are also mental health benefits that can protect older adults from the dangers of social isolation and loneliness. What might be surprising to some people is that most individuals do not experience loneliness or isolation simply by being alone. Instead, they experience loneliness when they are separated from meaningful, engaging activities. 

At Astral at Auburn, we recognize that while our residents may need some support to complete certain activities, there remains a great need for autonomy, independence and purpose. Therefore, we empower residents to continue pursuing their passions and interests with life-enriching activities available every day. 

Whether our residents want to create art, play music, engage in community events and outreach activities, or explore volunteer opportunities, our assisted living community in Auburn, Indiana, makes it possible for every resident to enjoy lives of vitality and meaning.

Assisted Living: Social Benefits

One more way that assisted living protects against social isolation is by providing numerous opportunities for social engagement. Astral at Auburn is not a neighborhood of separate residents – we are a true community. To support and foster these relationships, we hold social events and activities designed to bring people together in a spirit of friendship and joy.

We all find comfort, safety and enjoyment when we engage with others. For some, it could be joining a group of people for an outing in the city, while for others, it could be an intimate moment with a friend over a chess game or puzzle. 

At Astral at Auburn, we believe that older adults can overcome the dangers of social isolation and loneliness by engaging in meaningful and fulfilling activities. And in our assisted living community, they have the chance to do that every day.

Please visit our website to discover how our Auburn, Indiana, assisted living community helps seniors build meaningful relationships and enjoy lives filled with purpose.