As we move into 2021 we need to focus on the re-opening of our senior centers and open up recreational opportunities for our senior population for a number of reasons. Some of which are below:
A large body of literature shows that social participation is associated with better mental and physical health. The following provides a snapshot of some research findings:
For every 1-point decrease on a social activity scale, there was a 33% more rapid rate of decline in motor function (e.g., grip strength, muscle strength) within an average of five years (Buchman et al., 2009)
The risk of developing a disability in activities of daily living decreased by 43% over an average of 5 years for each additional social activity engaged in; the risk of mobility disability decreased by 31% (James et al., 2011)
Among older adults with depression, those who were highly socially active were over 2.5 times more likely to have improvements in their depressive symptoms 2 years later than those with low social activity (Isaac et al., 2009)
An intervention that combined structured social activity with light- intensity exercise (e.g., card games, croquet) significantly improved older adults’ memory function and sleep (Naylor et al., 2000)
The rate of cognitive decline was reduced by an average of 70% in older adults who were frequently socially active compared to those who were infrequently socially active over an average of 5 years. (James, Wilson, Barnes, & Bennet, 2011)
Older adults who participated on a daily or weekly basis in social activity had a 40% reduced risk of developing dementia compared to those who were not socially engaged (Wang, Karp, Winblad, & Fratiglioni, 2002)
Older women who participated in organizational activities or study circles had half the likelihood of dying within a twelve-year period of time, compared to those who did not participate in these social activities (Agahi & Parker, 2008)
The benefits of senior centres
Research on senior centres demonstrates that participation is associated with social, mental, and physical health benefits. Senior centres promote health by providing health and support services, encouraging active and healthy ageing, and fostering a social environment that is conducive to social participation and well-being. Senior centres are also ideal venues for health promotion interventions, such as fall prevention, influenza vaccines, diabetes management, and so forth.
Key findings from our interviews with older adults from a study called, Social Participation and its Benefits by the Manitoba Centre for Ageing are:
Virtually all participants felt that the activities they engage in almost always or often give them a sense of accomplishment.
80% or more also felt that the activities increased their knowledge, helped them gain self-confidence, and provided an opportunity to try new things.
Many participants thought that the activities provided them with social benefits, allowing them to socially interact, be part of a community, and develop close relationships.
88% of participants indicated that it is almost always or often true that the activities help them stay healthy. Many participants also indicated that the activities contribute to their emotional well-being (90%), and help them to relieve stress (85%).
Opportunities to stay active and socially engaged helped several participants cope with mental illness and addictions.
Senior centres promoted older adult health by providing opportunities for physical activity and access to health information, education, and health services.
Senior centres offered a range of educational opportunities that promoted learning, creativity, and skills development.
Volunteering opportunities enabled older adults to socialize, contribute to their communities, and share their knowledge and skills
