RESOURCES TO HELP GUIDE YOU

So what is “social support?” Social support is any form of relationship you have with another person, creature, or community in your life. Studies show that people of all ages benefit from having quality social support systems, so much so that it can actually impact their physical and mental health if they lack this support. Stop and ask yourself: “Who are my healthy social supports and how can I continue to engage with them for mutual benefit?”

Facts to know about senior isolation:

• Social isolation in seniors can be as harmful to their mortality as smoking or high cholesterol.*
• Studies have shown that older adults who have a social support system have a lower mortality risk.*
• As individuals age, the quantity of social relationships may decrease, but the quality may increase and lead to greater life satisfaction.*

*Haber, D. (2016, p. 317) Health Promotion and Aging.Springer Publishing Company.