When it comes to companionship, elderly individuals are no different than younger individuals – they need friends and other people in their lives. That companionship breeds many benefits. If you are someone concerned with eldercare, you have an opportunity to understand the benefits of companionship and to encourage your client to seek out companions and friends, old and new. You have the chance to make a real difference in someone’s life.
Science shows that the elderly are often most comfortable with people who are 25 years to 35 years of age. Having a companion can help an elderly individual to remain healthy (both physically and mentally). Companionship reduces feelings of loneliness, which can lead to depression and a loss of interest in their daily activities. This spirals to eventually affect the patient’s health.
Having a friend or companion around, the elderly individual gets more stimulation – mental, emotional maybe even physical, depending on the activities that the elderly and their companion or friend undertakes. This can help your client to remain happy. Discussions of complex topics can keep them mentally engaged.
Companions can help the elderly to learn new skills- whether those skills are in mastery of technology (like an iPad or tablet, for example), or even a new craft. Keeping an individual mentally stimulated can keep them happier and make them less likely to dwell on negative things. These experiences help lessen the possibility that your client would willingly hole up away from others and stop engaging in the outside world.
