Now that winter is over and the weather is improving, it is critically important for your mental, emotional and physical well-being to get out and enjoy life. You no longer need to worry about icy falls, snow, or bitter cold winds that can knock you off your feet.
But--what if you don’t drive any more or aren’t physically capable of getting out by yourself to the activities you used to love?
“Senior Helpers can help,” said Bob Tucker, a qualified dementia care provider (QDCP) and co-owner of Northbrook-based Senior Helpers serving the north and northwest suburbs to the Wisconsin border. “We have a new client who meets her friends every morning for breakfast at McDonald’s. We have other clients who want to go to church everyday or at least every Sunday. Other clients want to visit the Botanic Gardens, various museums or go to their favorite restaurants for dinner. We had one client who loved to go to flea markets and garage sales. It helped keep him physically and cognitively active.”
Social contacts tend to decrease as people age for a variety of reasons including: retirement, the death of friends and family or lack of mobility. Regardless of the causes of senior isolation, the consequences can be alarming and even lead to mortality.
“Senior isolation can contribute to cognitive decline and the risk of dementia, and when we don’t interact with other people, it can have an effect on our physical health as well,” added Abbie Tucker, senior advocate and client services director, certified senior advisor (CSA) and a qualified dementia care provider (QDCP). “Even if we schedule one of our caregivers to come by for a few hours, a couple of times a week, it can be life-changing.”
If you are concerned about a loved one who seems isolated, or if you are a senior who would like to be more active and get more out of life, contact Bob Tucker at Senior Helpers: 847-564-7500 or email him at rtucker@seniorhelpers.com .