You Gotta Have Friends!
Dear Caregivers,
I find that in times of uncertainty, being among a gathering of friends is sometimes the best medicine. True, at such gatherings we may still all be complaining to each other about this or that aspect of our lives, or about the world at large. But the fact that we are all friends, gathered together, makes it all seem a little more bearable.
And indeed, several recent scientific studies support the idea that having strong social connections is a key to better health and a longer life — more than a person’s diet and exercise!
The powerful benefits of socializing are even more pronounced in a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have found that the cognitive abilities of people suffering from Alzheimer’s declined 70% more slowly in people who frequently engaged in social interactions, compared to Alzheimer’s sufferers who had very little social contact.
Other key benefits of frequent socializing include:
Cognitive Stimulation: Having conversations and social interactions helps keep your loved one’s mind and brain active, stimulating and strengthening mental processes such as memory recall, reasoning, and problem-solving.
Lower Risk of Depression and Anxiety: Regular social engagement helps your loved one lower their feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can help ward off anxiety and depression.
Better Emotional Well-Being: Having frequent engagements with family and friends can foster comfort and joy, while being in a familiar social setting reduces confusion and agitation. At the same time, being in social gatherings conveys a sense of identity and belonging.
Improved Communication Skills: Having regular conversations with friends and family helps your loved one retain their language skills for a longer time, while at the same time setting the stage for them to engage in expressing their emotions and thoughts.
The benefits of socializing equally applies to caregivers like yourself, too! Being a caregiver for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s is one of the hardest jobs on earth and can be socially isolating. Maintaining social connections is a key to avoiding burnout and other negative side effects. Benefits include:
Emotional Support: As a caregiver, you are on an emotional roller-coaster. Being with friends enables you to feel less isolated, gain a greater sense of belonging, and take comfort in the fact that there are others who understand and sympathize with your situation.
Reduced Depression and Anxiety: Caregivers are especially at risk for mental health struggles, and socializing with family and friends can give you an emotional break.
Mental Balance: Engaging with friends may help you reduce feelings of resentment, frustration — or guilt that you are experiencing such emotions, giving you a great sense of greater perspective.
Physical Health: Socializing can often include physical activities such as group walks, sports, or dancing. These kinds of exercise help reduce stress and lower your blood pressure.
Personal Identity: Sometimes caregiving can seem overwhelming, causing you to risk your sense of personal identity. Being with friends reinforces your sense of yourself.
Caregiving can be a grueling activity, mentally and physically. But being with friends and family as frequently as you can — and regularly checking in with your NAN Navigator — serves as a comforting reminder that you are not alone in this journey.
Here’s some more guidance on socializing:
The Benefits of Socializing:
People who socially connect with others have improved brain function, such as better memory, and are less likely to develop dementia than those who are more socially isolated. Here are some tips for increasing social engagement.
The Basics of Adult Day Centers:
Adult day centers offer supervised care and activities that are tailored to meet the needs of people living with Alzheimer's. Adult day services can help provide respite to caregivers, while at the same time ensuring that your loved one receives safe, compassionate, and attentive care. Here’s a guide to how to find the right fit for your loved one.
Keeping Your Personal Relationships Strong While Caregiving:
The stresses of caregiving can cause significant strains on a marriage or any other relationship. Here’s how to keep stress at bay and keep your personal relationships healthy.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.”
— G. Randolf
