One of the truest of all old adages is
that “No man is an island.” We think of youth as a time when friendships are
formed and “best friends” are created. In adult life relationships become
deeper and often stronger – both personally and professionally. When it comes
to old age, we tend to think of the elderly as being those who have had their
fill of social life and who want to relax at home, read, watch TV or play board
games, with the occasional solitary walk thrown in. The fact is that the need
for company, support and love is not
something that decreases as we age. The truth is that an active social life is
important for seniors, perhaps more than those who are younger.
![]() |
Image Courtesy:http://www.mountpleasantgranary.net/ |
Why
Remaining Socially Engaged Is Important
Healthy
relationships play an important part in
making us who we are and molding the way our lives turn out. Although their
physically active years may be behind them, the importance of social activities
remains for seniors. Social interaction keeps
them fit – mentally, emotionally and physically. Interaction with social groups
helps to prevent cognitive decline in the form of Alzheimer’s and dementia. The
interaction with others also helps to promote physical and mental alertness
that plays an important part in enhancing the quality of life. The more they
socialize, the happier the elderly are and the better their all-round wellbeing. The list of problems that
even a partial lack of socialization can cause is large. Among the most common
are:
- Real or perceived mental decline
- Emotional distress in the form of temper tantrums, destructive tendencies and so on.
- Depression and loss of interest in activities
- Gradual loss of interest in interaction with others
One of the biggest problems that the
elderly face in their social activities is that of transport. Driving can be
difficult, if not impossible, for many seniors. The use of public transport
like taxis and buses can also be a
problem even if they are physically fit. Transportation can be a major hassle,
even if accompanied by a caregiver. Being
taken around by family members or other loved ones may work in some cases, but
over time the logistical problems grow and become overwhelming. Additionally,
many elderly people do not like the idea of
being dependent on any for travel or being beholden to them. The younger folk
have other demands on their time and being able to drive the elderly around can
have a major negative impact on their lives.
The
Ideal Transport Solution
That is where Non-Emergency
Medical Transportation (NEMT) comes into the picture. These services
provide transportation specifically for the sick
and elderly. They have special vehicles that are easy to enter and exit,
even if in a wheelchair. The drivers are trained in the special requirements of
transporting those who are unable to travel on their own. The best of them
offer doorstep pickup and drop off as well as event standby, so there is no
risk of being stranded on the way home after going for a
social or entertainment event. If you have an elderly loved one who is confined
to home because of transportation difficulties, start them on NEMT and reopen
the world for them.
Comments
Post a Comment