Why Companionship Is Just as Important as Medical Care for Seniors
Chronic health conditions can become so all-encompassing in old age that caregivers devote all their energies to medical care. Indeed, handling multiple comorbidities and attending numerous doctors’ appointments can be draining. However, beyond medical needs, caregivers and family members have another equally crucial responsibility.
Companionship. The simple act of being together, being available. It is easy to underestimate the need and power of companionship when pharmacy bills escalate and the need for assistive equipment rises. And yet, paying more attention to this crucial aspect of care can make everything a little easier to handle.
Here are three primary reasons companionship must be a priority for seniors.
Making Mental Health Easier to Regulate
One of the standout benefits of companionship for seniors is its distinct role in regulating mental health. No, not just standard small talk or listening to grievances, but a more far-reaching impact.
Verywell Mind observes that poor emotional support can change brain function and increase one’s risk of depression and negative thought patterns. Remaining integrated into relationships, even with a caregiver, can protect against maladaptive behaviors.
The WHO agrees. Being around companions for pursuits such as creative arts, leisure, or volunteering can reduce symptoms of depression and improve overall quality of life.
The need for such companionship is more pronounced in specific regions of the US, where a greater proportion of the population is older. For example, seniors constitute over 17% of the adult population in Pittsburgh.
Accordingly, home care services in Pittsburgh prioritize building meaningful and compassionate bonds with clients. These connections emphasize trust and comfort, so senior adults can feel comfortable and respected.
The mental health benefits can arguably be better if the caregiver relationships are more personal. For example, CareChoice recommends exploring possibilities with a trusted person, such as a family member. They can then be onboarded for personalized, tailored care that may be superior to standard options.
As AI companions surge in popularity, bringing dangerous psychological dependencies to the forefront, it makes sense to cultivate human relationships wherever possible.
Companionship and Physical Health Outcomes
Self-help book after self-help book recommends keeping cats at home to revive the good in life. The constant presence of a loving animal can provide emotional support and general positivity. As it turns out, companionship in all forms, human included, can have lasting health benefits.
The American Psychological Association explains that loneliness can raise one’s risk of heart attack and stroke. Having a supportive friend to interact with lowers our blood pressure reactivity, i.e., how smoothly our bodies respond to stress. This is why social isolation can be especially worrying for older adults.
Besides preventing adverse health reactions, companionship can also help us manage existing issues more effectively. For example, we feel more motivated to exercise when we have a buddy who can join in. In fact, some researchers have been working on creating “Simulated Exercising Peers” to offer agentic support for adults who wish to exercise more.
For seniors, having a companion can motivate them to undertake physical activity every day, even if it’s just a stroll in the park. Companions can also remind them to take medication on time or eat their meals with care.
Promoting Community Connection and Self-Esteem
In our changing world, seniors face unique challenges that make them vulnerable to physical and mental health problems.
Climate change is just one example– it exposes older adults to heat-related conditions and adverse weather events. The US EPA warns that older adults have a higher risk of water- and insect-related illnesses. These issues become prevalent when climate change triggers excessive rainfall and consequent flooding.
Restricted mobility makes it much harder to deal with such emergencies and cuts them off from social networks.
Companionship can become the gateway to staying connected with the larger community, a huge motivator when times are tough. The UK’s Mental Health Foundation notes that communities can lend a sense of purpose and meaning, reducing psychological distress. High-risk groups, such as seniors, can find this invaluable for satisfaction.
It is not unlike how communities can help new, first-time mothers overcome a feeling of isolation, lending meaning to the whole “it takes a village” maxim.
Companions for seniors can accompany them for social activities, such as volunteering or meeting family for a meal. They can also share stories and offer listening ears, making people feel heard and respected.
As human beings, we rely on other people for support, feel nurtured by communication, and find purpose in connection. With advancing age, many of these connections may weaken, as people drift apart and failing health makes it harder to meet commitments.
Companionship from people we trust can make an astounding difference in these so-called “sunset years.” If medical care is vital to keep our bodies functioning well, companions are the balm for our souls.
