Meeting the Social Needs of Older Adults
Hello everyone,
let's talk for a moment about social needs of older adults. We all know that when social needs are not satisfied, this can lead to mental and physical health problems. Even the most extreme introverts need to connect with others occasionally. Maintaining social connections or making new ones may seem more daunting the older you get. It is crucial for the well-being of older people though that they have the opportunity to get involved in social activities like volunteer work or community events.
Do you feel that the social needs of older adults are addressed to in a sufficient way?
What would you like to be given more attention to?
What do you appreciate that has been done for older adults in the last time?
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Do you feel that the social needs of older adults are addressed to in a sufficient way?
No
What would you like to be given more attention to?
I get a newsletter from the local public library every three months. I notice every time that they have several activities for young people - children, teenagers, and young adults. There are no goings-on for older adults. They assume that all adults already have found sufficient social circles or some such thing.
@WharfRat
Oh yes, there is always more for the younger ones. I believe they are trying to keep them busy and get them stay off the road which makes sense but I can see it feels a bit frustrating not seeing so much for older people. Could you make a suggestion about it to the local public library?
@amiablePeace77
I don't know.
@WharfRat
I think I might go on the manipulative side for this one! I used to live one county south. They have amazing things going on. I might just show my local librarians some of the classes and fun things going on there to give them some ideas. A little envious competition might help? I feel bad for suggesting it, but if it helps, maybe the end justifies the means? (probably not, I'm just trying to make an excuse for myself)!
I am an older adult, but not old enough for the few benefits of those over 65. I do not think the social needs of older adults are well met. For me, transportation to anything other than a medical appointment is a huge issue. I cannot get my medicines without asking a family member to go get it. The provided transportation is unreliable and I must lie and say my appointment is an hour earlier than it is to arrive on time. I am not old enough for senior citizen center activities, although there isn't one nearby anyway. The library problem has already been mentioned, park programs are about the same. YMCA is expensive. Before my illness I met many people on MeetUp.com. I love hanging out with them for free concerts, hiking, dinner, bbq or game gatherings...Unfortunately, no transportation for me, so I can't go much. I never was a serial dater before, but on occasion, I will go on a date and pay for our dinners just to get out of the house and have an adult conversation. I feel a little bad though, because I am not interested much in dating. So far no one has minded. Free dinner for them.
@adaptableOcean4193
It can be really hard to get around when you do not have any transportation on your own. In some places the busses run regularly, I do not know whether that would be an option for you. I met people who pay others to drive them where they need to go (instead of taking an expensive taxi). Sometimes organizations like AARP or charities organized bus tours, just an idea if you feel it's worthwhile to check in your area.
@amiablePeace77
Yes in Canada 🇨🇦 there are programs and funding for social programs for 50+ Community here.
I help run one here locally. We typically have social events that cover a wide variety such as darts, bingo, cards, Cornhole, bowling, pot luck dinners, field trips, Nordic walks, paint classes, yoga , seasonal meals Christmas & valentines, sewing and rug hooking as well etc …the group decides what they would like to do and sometimes we partner with other 50+ groups for joint events.
It is low cost $10 per year and everything is covered by the funding by provincial and federal governments. They see the social value of this group and how it contributes to better health when you feel more connected. 💯💯💯💯💯🙌🙌🙌🙌💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
@SunShineAlwaysGrateful
This sounds wonderful, they truly seem to value older people! Happy older people have so much to give to the youth!
Yes 💕💕💕💕definitely and many belong to multiple groups so they pick and choose the events they want to attend.
I want to move to Canada. 🙂
@amiablePeace77
Hi Ami:
I am an older adult (officially a senior citizen two weeks ago) and an introvert.
Whether there are adequate social programs for older adults depends where you live.
Perhaps online programs should be more widely advertised - especially given that many older people don’t/can’t get out...
@UberRuminator
Online social programs can be joined by everyone!
I think that this is an important topic to discuss. @amiablePeace77
@amiablePeace77
Please ad me to this thread. I'm interested in making new friends. I'm 57 yrs old.
@conscientiousWheel4169
me, too. I'm 58
@conscientiousWheel4169
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Hi @conscientiousWheel4169
I’m 57 also and would like to be friends.☺️
@amiablePeace77. I live in a state with a large senior population so there does seem to be adult/senior activity centers as well as retirement communities.
There is something called Osher Lifelong Learning Institute with branches in various cities and states. I have taken some classes with them on zoom.
@adventurousBranch3786
Nice that you have this opportunity, The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute seems to be quite popular.
@amiablePeace77
I know Social or Socializing is important. We are social beings and require it.
As an introvert I naturally will go in the other direction.
I am confident that without my spouse, I would be saying different things. But while I still have my Spouse, really am well enough.
Now without my Spouse. I am sure it will be dark for me. I am one which will probably forget to do the right things like eat proper, social, take meds, etc.
That being said, the right thing to say would be "Support system" something expanded on to Meals of Wheels.
BUT BUT, naturally (mindset of no Spouse) I would not be happy having people point out the right things and knock on my door. Intrude on my life. Make me feel noticed. When really, I probably would be in a state that I would rather fade away in the darkness.
@Barltik2065
I also tend much farther to the introverted side. I like my hidey hole...plenty to do if I feel like it, rare stress, doesn't take much effort...I never dreamed I would miss the social aspects. But in actuality, I do miss the random conversations that pop up in a group, helping a fellow introvert feel welcome by introducing them and starting a topic with them, the laughter that isn't me laughing at myself, sharing foods and skills and dancing. I miss learning from others in a way that isn't always written. The camraderie of an in person group can be so much fun...about once a month (LOL)...I tried for once or twice a week pre-illness and it was just too much for me...settled on twice a month.
@adaptableOcean4193
hi there. You sound a lot like me. I’m 57 and I don’t leave the house except for my once a month Pain Clinic Appt. I don’t really miss people but I do miss conversation. I miss being able to do things outside of the house comfortably. And I absolutely agree the camaraderie of an in person group can be fun——— about once a month!😆😆
@Barltik2065
I hope that you will put in place a good support plan when it needs to be done so you can stay healthy both mentally and physically!
@amiablePeace77
Thank you!
I hope when the time comes, I have wisdom and courage to do properly
Hi @Barltik2065,
you are correct in some of those things that you feel will happen once you do not have a spouse. Yes you feel like you’re in the dark, you can’t think you can’t form sentences or even coherent thoughts. At least that’s the way it was for me the first week or two. And absolutely everything falls on you to do. I have my kids who are adults for support and thank God for that, because I don’t eat —-I forget to. I do remember to take my meds only because if I didn’t I wouldn’t be able to walk or move. I have chronic pain from a failed back surgery.
I also agree I don’t really want people knocking on my door and checking on me but text messaging would be awesome. I’m 57, an introvert and I just would not want people coming to my house at all the time to check on me.
