BackCompanionship - The Rx for Longevity
Article submitted by Family Links.
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Can companionship actually lead to a longer, healthier life? Absolutely! In fact, studies show that positive emotions generated by companionship are associated with positive effects on health and healing as well as with increased life spans by as much as two years. Conversely, social isolation and the resulting loneliness have been linked to increased stress. Increased stress alters the production of certain hormones in the body which can lead to adverse health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and depression ("The Broken Heart: the Medical Consequences of Loneliness", Dr. James Lynch).
Humans are social creatures. As we age, our need for social interaction remains the same while the ability to fulfill this need diminishes. Social isolation and loneliness become more common for the elderly as distance, time constraints and death separate them from those they love. People retire and loose co-worker relationships, children grow up and move away, friends relocate or are no longer able to visit; or perhaps it was time for mom to move out of her home and into a care center. All of these factors lead to social isolation for many seniors, regardless of where they are living. As a result, many of our elders are deprived of the numerous health benefits generated through social interactions.
More and more, studies are highlighting the significant benefits associated with companionship and other forms of social interactions. In addition to longer life spans and faster recoveries from injuries or illnesses, these benefits may include improved cognitive functions, reduced stress, increased self-esteem, reduced depression, fewer hospital admissions and, in some cases, reversal of mental and physical decline commonly associated with the aging process. In fact, studies have found that socially engaged nursing home residents are more likely to live longer and healthier lives then those residents who lack social engagement (Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, Nov., 2000). These studies point to companionship and emotional support as the Rx for better health and a longer, happier life.
The role of families in providing social engagement for their elderly family members cannot be underestimated or replaced. However distance, time constraints and job responsibilities can make it very difficult to visit their loved ones as often as they would like. FamilyLinks, a provider of companionship services for seniors, assists caregivers and offers unique companionship visits for those who seek to expand the social opportunities of those they love and for whom they provide care. FamilyLinks companions (known as "Champions") focus their visits on conversation, celebrating special occasions and holidays, escorting seniors out into town, reminiscing about past events, reading aloud, card writing and other social activities of interest to those they visit. Uniquely, FamilyLinks Champions receive thorough, non-medical training in a variety of topics including visiting with seniors who have Alzheimer's or other memory impairment related issues. FamilyLinks Champions visit with seniors living in nursing centers, assisted living communities, private homes residences or wherever else they may reside.