Combating Social Isolation for Older Adults
February 2, 2024
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As we age, many of us tend to spend more time alone due to various factors such as retirement, health limitations, and loss of loved ones. Daily social interactions can decrease leading to increased bouts of social isolations and loneliness. Social isolation can go unnoticed with many older adults living far away from siblings, children, and family. One effect of social isolation could be loss of interest in activities and hobbies an older adult once enjoyed. In isolation, older adults may even find it more difficult to remain as physically or mentally active as they were before.
At SSP, we understand how important socialization is for older adults and the impact it has on their mental and physical health. Fortunately, there are many programs we offer to address social isolation for older adults.
Programs at Senior Services Plus:
Events and Activities- We are happy to host many wonderful activities, classes, and groups at Senior Services Plus. Join a group for a game (pinochle, bridge, mahjong, hand and foot, and pokeno) that plays weekly. We also offer free Bingo multiple times a month.
If games aren't your thing, consider signing for a class such as Spanish to learn a new skill and keep your mind active. People who engage in meaningful productive activities they enjoy with others feel a sense of purpose and see improvement in their well-being.
Another exciting event we are offering is Speed Connections, our take on speed dating. The event will be informal and relaxed with timed intervals where participants will rotate around the room, getting to know other participants also looking for friendship or romantic connections. It's a fantastic opportunity to meet new faces, exchange stories, and forge meaningful connections with peers in the community. This event is set to take place on Friday, February 9th at 2pm in the School House Grill. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here.
The Social Connections program is a volunteer program that offers connection and conversation with older adults in the community. Volunteers have friendly, meaningful conversations with participants of the Meals on Wheels program who are typically homebound, to help combat senior isolation and create connections with those they interact with. Individuals interested in this program can volunteer to make calls to program participants or Meals on Wheels clients can sign up to receive calls themselves.
Our Community Resources program aids in many home areas, such as installation of light bulbs and battery replacement in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Tech assistance is also available for things like setting up accounts, using social media, and app assistance. We find that our volunteers in this program end up spending a few hours at a participant's home. In this time, they not only offer their assistance, but get to know the participant and spend time sharing additional resources. This is a great resource for those looking for help in their home with someone who is there to assist and offer meaningful socialization.
Congregate Dining, our in-house dining site, the School House Grill, offers a wide variety of delicious meals, and our congregate meal program provides meals for a suggested donation of $4 for adults 60 years and above. Eating in a social setting offers the chance to catch up and show interest in each other's lives. Even participants who come in and eat by themselves receive some socialization through interactions with our staff. Sometimes they even make a new friend with another participant eating in the Grill that day. We offer daily lunch specials so there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy!
The Meals on Wheels program provides between 5-7 meals each week to homebound older adults ages 60 or older in Madison and St. Clair county who meet SIVNA qualifications. One of the qualifications is that the client be considered primarily homebound. Being homebound can lead to a high risk of social isolation. All meals are approved by a registered dietitian and prepared onsite at or facility.
Our friendly drivers deliver these meals and provide smiles and conversation to homebound seniors. We find that for many of our Meals on Wheels clients, their interaction with their driver might be the only social interaction that they have that day. Our drivers connect with these clients and offer socialization as well as share additional resources SSP or other community organization may have to assist the client with other aspects of their life.
Wellness Center- with an abundance of fitness classes offered weekly there is a style of fitness that appeals to everyone. Group fitness is a great way to stay active while building a sense of camaraderie with those around you. The Wellness Center has new and improved exercise equipment and an indoor walking track. Personal trainers are also available and can provide flexible scheduling and fitness plans to fit any ability.
Senior Services Plus is a great place to get plugged in to the community and feel a sense of belonging. We strive to enrich the lives of older adults through our programs and services with the aim that everyone ages successfully. Please consider visiting us or giving us a call and letting us help you learn about the resources that can best serve your needs. Learn more about our resources by visiting our website or by calling 618-465-3298.
Senior Services Plus, Inc.
Senior Services Plus (SSP) is committed to creating inclusive, diverse, and equitable environments for all. With open arms, we strive to foster a sense of belonging where everyone is valued. As a board, as a staff, and as volunteers we welcome the contributions and participation of all people. We recognize and celebrate that everyone has unique abilities, needs, and experiences and we acknowledge the important of diversity in all its forms. SSP is dedicated to ensuring fair treatment, equity of opportunity, and impartiality in access to information and resources for all. SSP is actively engaged in identifying and dismantling racist and oppressive behaviors, policies, and practices to advance justice and create a more inclusive and equitable society.