Not only do loneliness and isolation in seniors and other age groups pose serious hazards to emotional, mental and physical health, but they have also been declared an epidemic by the US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who has released a Surgeon General Advisory calling attention to this public health crisis.According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Surgeon Generals Advisories are public statements that call the American peoples attention to a critical public health issue and provide recommendations for how it should be addressed. Advisories are reserved for significant public health challenges that need the American peoples immediate attention.In his Advisory, Dr. Murthy states,Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health. Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight one that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled, and more productive lives.Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders. Together, we can build a country thats healthier, more resilient, less lonely, and more connected.Its clear that engaging and connecting with others is vital for older adults. One of the pillars of Dr. Murthys Advisory calls for cultivating a culture of connection, where people can come together and benefit from healthy connection. This is one area where the right living environment can play a significant role.Isolation in seniors: understanding whats going onMom doesnt seem interested in having Sunday dinner with the family lately. Or Dad has stopped attending his regular lodge meetings. While having some alone time is perfectly normal, when it persists, it might be time to find out what is going on.If youve noticed your loved one seems to be avoiding socializing with family or friends, you will want to learn what is behind their reluctance. There could be several reasons. For example:They might be feeling unsteady on their feet due to mobility issues, which can lead to a fear of falling.They might be experiencing changes in their vision or hearing.If they are experiencing bouts of confusion, they may fear becoming lost.Driving, particularly at night, might have become unsettling.Even if you offer to pick up your loved one and take them to a family gathering, they might be worried that you will notice their physical challenges and decide they can no longer live on their own.Their longtime friends and trusted neighbors may have moved on or are too busy with their families to include them in social events.Isolation in seniors can be the result of several of these factors. Consider going with your loved one to visit their physician in order to determine if there is a change in health that needs to be addressed.Let them know you are simply concerned about their health and safety, as well as their happiness. Its quite possible they will welcome the opportunity to discuss their concerns with you.Why isolation in seniors is so dangerousProlonged social isolation can lead to an almost 30% increase in the risk of premature death through health conditions including diabetes, heart attacks, insomnia and dementia. In fact, in terms of impacts on health and well-being, loneliness has been compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.Why is loneliness increasing?According to the Census Bureau, people are spending less time with friends and more time alone, and this was true even before the pandemic. Researchers say its due to many factors; some have even tied the first spike in loneliness numbers to the arrival of the smartphone in 2014. But even a fun game on the phone doesnt replace the significant health benefits of engagement and connection with others, especially with older adults.When it comes to isolation in seniors, choosing a vibrant senior living community can make all the difference.Senior living: where getting the benefits of socializing is easyA senior living alone in a neighborhood where most friends have moved away can quickly become bored and depressed. Theres nothing to do except watch television or take a nap. It can feel like the world has passed them by.Take that same senior and put them in a vibrant, inspiring senior living atmosphere filled with friends and fun, and theyre most likely going to enjoy life in a whole new way. Just knowing friends are nearby can give a previously lonely senior a new sense of purpose and a feeling of belonging.At Heritage Communities, we believe retirement living should bring more to your life. More fun. More friends. More ways to engage and connect. We call it living better. Here are just a few of the socializing opportunities youll find in one of our communities:Activities and events that bring residents, family and friends together to celebrate holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions.Pleasant dining experiences filled with delicious food and lively conversation.Good friends right next door so theres always someone close by for companionship.Group wellness and exercise classes and programs make it easier to stay motivated and inspired to follow healthy habits.Exceptional amenities that bring residents together for entertainment, learning, and more.Inviting outdoor spaces for special occasions, family and visits, and moments of meditation.Whether your loved one is a private person, a social butterfly, or a little of both, at Heritage Communities, every resident can enjoy the comfort and privacy of their own apartment, as well as a bustling atmosphere filled with opportunities for healthy socializing. Wed love to tell you more.The senior living experience you want. Download our free guide, Family Decision Toolkit. Or contact us today 402-721-1616.

Whether its cardio drumming, banging plastic tubes together to make tones, or sifting through clues to solve a murder mystery, residents at Heritage Communities are benefiting from an inspired approach to cognitive stimulation for seniors.At Orchard Pointe at Terrazza in Peoria, Arizona, Life Enrichment Director Cindy Powell says its about building a program of activities based on the interests of residents. Im always looking to find the next big thing that will pull in their strengths and combine socializing with physical movement, she says. We want our residents to constantly have new things to do, as well as something new to talk about.Cognitive stimulation for seniors: mixing fun with learningHere are just a few of the activities seniors at Orchard Pointe at Terrazza benefit from:BoomwhackersWho knew plastic could be this much fun? Science World offers this definition: Boomwhackers tuned percussion tubes are lightweight, hollow, color-coded, plastic tubes, tuned to musical pitches by length. Boomwhackers produce musical tones when struck together, on the floor, or against nearly any surface. They have a sweet spot that is a few inches from the end of the tube that gives the best tone.Playing with boomwhackers incorporates cognitive stimulation for seniors through fine/gross motor skills, physical movements, attention span, creativity, education, impulse control, and more. You do not have to be able to read music to participate, because the sheet music is color-coded, says Powell. In fact, most residents pick up the songs so quickly they dont need any written music anyway.Cardio DrummingPowell loves the results her team is getting from involving residents in cardio drumming. I had one resident say, I dont know why, but Im always so happy after cardio drumming. We began cardio drumming in our Heritage community because of the benefits it offers those with Parkinsons. We had a resident with Parkinsons who wanted to be more involved in activities, and I wanted to come up with something that would be exciting for him.When this gentleman first started cardio drumming, it was hard for him to keep up with the rhythm. But after just four times of being in the group, he was doing great with the rhythm, and just kept improving. You could see his confidence grow.Powell says activities such as this work the body as well as provide cognitive stimulation for seniors. Cardio drumming relieves tension, which in turn means a release in serotonin and dopamine, benefitting both sides of the brain. Seniors in cardio drumming have less anxiety and depression, improved reaction time, and greater confidence. And research has confirmed participating in cardio drumming at least three times a week can significantly improve cognitive function.Residents in cardio drumming are simply happier, which really excites families, says Powell. They know their loved one is not sitting in their room.Solving Crime MysteriesReading intriguing case files. Sifting through clues. Considering suspicious suspects and comparing notes with others doing the same. Then discussing theories and sharing solutions. If it sounds like a great deal of fun, it is. In fact, both Powell and Heritage Pointe at Terrazza Senior Living Counselor Debra Bowls agree its been a major hit with residents.When residents first move in, they are excited to meet new people and make friends, Bowls says. But after a while, they can get bored. Thats why these mystery games are so wonderful. They introduce new energy and interest. Residents discuss suspects, police reports, and their theories. The dining room just buzzes!Powell says she works through each mystery first herself, and then guides residents, being careful not to reveal any secrets. They study the case, record their notes about clues in their own books, and then discuss. Its so popular; that they wish the meetings lasted longer than an hour! The whole process takes about a month. And it offers great cognitive stimulation for seniors because it makes them think out of the box.Theres a bit of extra fun involved. Were calling it Margarita Mysteries, says Powell. I give them a margarita, but only if they will stay and be part of solving the case.The connection between stimulating the brain and having fun with others is what makes Heritage communities such an excellent choice, says both Powell and Bowls. When people come through our doors researching senior living, the first thing they see is happy people. Residents are rehearsing their role in the bell choir, or playing games, or exercising. It is a way of life in a Heritage community. One of our core values is fun. Another is teaching. And we are doing both.We are truly looking to change the world for seniors at Heritage by keeping our residents happy, active, and engaged. Whether its arts and crafts, music, exercise, solving mysteries and more, we love it when a resident says, Im glad its the weekend. Im exhausted!More friends, more activities, more smiles! Download our free guide, The Family Decision Toolkit. Or contact us today 402-721-1616 to learn more or schedule a tour.