INDUSTRY INSIGHT
SENIOR LIVING
SPONSORED CONTENT
THE HIGH HEALTH COST OF
LONELINESS
Friends, Connections
are Key to Aging Better
Chronic loneliness contributes to high blood pressure,
undesirable lipid profiles, weakened immune system, lack
of sleep, physical inactivity, and declining cognitive function,
according to more than 70 research studies published over
the last decade. Lonely individuals are more than twice
as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, according to Dr.
Robert Wilson of Rush University Medical Center.
Not convinced? A meta-analysis conducted by Brigham
Young University revealed that loneliness resulted in a 26%
increase in mortality, with social isolation and living alone
rating even higher. The conclusion of the research was to
recommend that social isolation and loneliness be added
to the list of public health concerns.
More and more research is pointing
to the positive link between social
connections and healthier aging.
F
eeling that you are valued, that you are part of a community
with friends, family and people who care, is important at any
age. But the National Institute on Aging says that, particularly
among seniors, social relationships are key markers of health.
Independent, active retirement communities are designed to
make it easier to stay social and engaged, especially as a resident’s
age advances and related health or physical challenges increase.
In addition to having friends right on campus, a staff of caring
people helps create the family atmosphere that Springhill residents
say is a key benefit they never considered prior to moving, but
quickly came to value afterward.
Springhill driver Darby Jordan is a perfect example. Not too
long ago, a stranger who saw Darby dropping off a resident for a
doctor’s appointment felt obligated to call and say how impressed
she was. In fact, the witness assumed Darby was a son or grandson,
given how solicitous, familiar, and friendly he was.
Springhill’s Hyacinth Huck has this to say: “It’s like a second
family, really. I feel fortunate to be a part of residents’ lives. They
always give you something back. You learn from them.”
Do you have questions about the health benefits that come
with more engaged social retirement living? Please give Springhill
Senior Living a call at 814.860.7042 or visit SpringhillErie.org.
Asbury Springhill
n
2323 Edinboro Road
n
Erie, PA 16509
n
SpringhillErie.org
MILLCREEK
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WINTER 2019
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