What Are Successful Ways to Keep Lonely Parents Active?

By Marina Pink | May 9, 2019 |

In a survey by AARP, about 35 percent of those questioned admit to being lonely. People who feel their health is poorly reported being lonely more often than those in good health.

Elder Care in Toluca Lake CA: Keep Lonely Parents Active

Why is loneliness concerning? Studies find that people who are lonely tend to die sooner than those who actively socialize. Loneliness also can impact mental health by increasing the risk of depression. Isolation, which often goes hand in hand with loneliness, can impact the body’s immune system.

If your parent is lonely, there are ways to boost socialization. Here are some of the most effective methods.

Hold Regular Pot Luck Dinners

Gather the family every other week for a pot luck dinner at your parents’ house. With everyone bringing a dish, you don’t have to stress over cooking an entire meal. You can bring paper plates to make cleaning up a breeze. People can bring their own drinks so that your parents don’t feel obligated to pay for things they don’t usually buy.

During that meal, you can catch up on family news. Your parents have time with grandchildren and other family members who are important to them. They also have a filling meal and companionship, which is beneficial to their physical and mental health.

Join a Club or Group

Get your parent involved in a local club or group. You’ll find them at public libraries, senior centers, and museums. Book clubs are commonly found at libraries. There are crafting groups at local senior centers. You can find gardening clubs in almost every community.

Once you know what your parent wants to do, you can search community listings to find things that are appealing to her. Check if your mom or dad’s town has a recreation department. You’ll find many opportunities there.

Get them to Volunteer

If your parents are still able, have them, volunteer. They can go read books to area school children. They could help at the local food bank or serve food at a soup kitchen.

When your parents don’t have full mobility, they can still volunteer. There are knitting clubs that knit hats and socks for newborns in neonatal wards. There are hospitals that need volunteers to direct people to different areas in a hospital.

Hire Caregivers to Provide Companionship Services

Your parent could have caregivers stopping by every day or once a week to provide companionship. With a caregiver, your mom or dad can have help with activities of daily living like meals and transportation. Caregivers can join your parent for daily walks, play games, or take your mom or dad to a local museum. Call now to discuss rates and the full range of care options.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care in Toluco Lake, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Help. Serving All of Los Angeles County. Call Us Today (888) 989-7388

Sources:
https://www.aarp.org/

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Marina Pink

Owner at Home Care Help

Marina Pink is the Owner at Home Care Help. Home Care Help is an innovator in providing services in a caring and professional manner. We have an exceptional history, spanning twenty-three years, of providing care to people in moments that matter most. It is our utmost priority to address every need in a timely manner; and, it is our goal, above all else, to give the level of support that enables our residents to have as much independence as possible with care and respect.