The importance of personal interactions between human beings is undeniable. Several studies have been done to prove the connection between human contact and longevity. All studies show that social isolation, whether actual or perceived, increase the risk of premature mortality.
One very interesting study is described in the book ‘The Village Effect: How Face-To-Face Contact Can Make Us Healthier, Happier, And Smarter”, authored by developmental psychologist Susan Pinker.
What Is “The Village Effect”?
The Village Effect highlights the vital connection between in-person contact and a person’s ability to learn, find happiness, overcome difficulties and live a longer, healthier life. In the book, the author stresses on the fact that human beings have an innate need for connection with other humans to be happy and healthy. The absence of this human interaction can be detrimental in so many ways, in particular to our health and survival.
According to the author, the face-to-face interactions that we foster on a regular basis, forms our personal village or community. This little village is what we need, often more than we realize. This is what is known as the village effect.
Health and Well-Being at Home VS in a Community
The village effect can be seen clearly in the difference between seniors who live alone at home and those who live in an assisted living community.
Seniors who live in assisted living communities enjoy all of the benefits listed below and more.
With everyone living on the same premises, it’s so much easier to meet up with others who are around the same age. This opens up so many opportunities to participate in activities that are suitable to all interested persons. Seniors don’t have to drive or even cross a busy street to meet up with their neighbors. These regular interactions have tremendous physical, mental and emotional health benefits.
All senior living communities offer a wide range of activities that are especially meant to improve seniors’ physical and mental health. These are further supervised by experienced staff.
Residents of senior communities get good, nutritious meals without having to go shopping, then come back home and start cooking. It’s a known fact that seniors living alone favor fast, easy meals, which are often lacking in nutrition. This can cause several health issues over the long term.
Assisted living facilities usually also offer residents some sort of transportation facilities which they can avail of to go shopping or even attend events held around the neighborhood. Seniors feel more encouraged to attend cultural events knowing they have access to reliable transportation and don’t have to fend for themselves after the event.
Last but not least, seniors benefit tremendously from the compassionate care provided by dedicated, caring staff at assisted living facilities. In addition to providing basic personal and household care, staff play a huge role in ensuring that all residents take their prescribed medications on time. Seniors living alone at home often forget to take their medications consistently, leading to several related problems.
There’s no doubt that living in an assisted living community creates the village effect that offers a host of health and longevity benefits to seniors.
