Life in the Slow Lane?

S

smiley

Senior Member
Location
Australia
I live in a small north western town in Oz - population 3500 and half Indigenous and half in between and not? Town has plenty of cars - many to one family etc - no bus service unless you wanna get right out of town? [and you are welcomed back]

I was entitled to become a recipient of {a certain elderly disposition} to receive Home and Community Care - this can range from: home cleaning ; assistance with weekly shopping [including transportation and Post Office collections - of course ; banking transportation [ well you've got the pic] But the greatest fun is three mornings a week a breakfast gathering [light one only with beverages] and a convivial chat amongst usually males for me.

The mostly Indigenous women prefer to sit together rather than with the males - particularly paleskins!! The guys in the 70-90 yrs range just sit together and have some friendly humourous banter for a few hrs. The transport back home. If you wish you can partake of daily lunch deliveries from hospital cooked food ? [ I'll leave you to imagine that one!]
 

Maintaining consistent social contact in old age is not merely a social courtesy, but a health intervention that directly combats loneliness, which can be as harmful to health as something like smoking. Regular interaction is crucial because it provides cognitive stimulation, enhances emotional well-being, and supports physical safety.
Engaging in conversation and social activities keeps the brain active, potentially delaying the onset of dementia and slowing age-related cognitive decline. Meaningful connections reduce feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, fostering a vital sense of belonging, purpose, and self-worth.
Social seniors tend to be more active, and regular interaction lowers stress, reduces blood pressure, and strengthens the immune system. Regular check-ins allow others to identify early signs of physical or mental decline, ensuring timely intervention. Interaction provides motivation for daily activities, such as going for walks or participating in hobbies, preventing the sedentary lifestyle that accelerates aging.
 
I live in a similar community but here there is no organized social outlet like that. Some of the elderly go daily to the hospital cafeteria either for breakfast or a $5 lunch, but someone has to take them if they can't drive themselves. We also had a "Senior Circle" group that offered various sorts of activities, but it shut down due to lack of participation. This town is very isolating and generally not the ideal place for seniors to live.
 

horseless carriage said:
Maintaining consistent social contact in old age is not merely a social courtesy, but a health intervention that directly combats loneliness, which can be as harmful to health as something like smoking. Regular interaction is crucial because it provides cognitive stimulation, enhances emotional well-being, and supports physical safety.
Engaging in conversation and social activities keeps the brain active, potentially delaying the onset of dementia and slowing age-related cognitive decline. Meaningful connections reduce feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, fostering a vital sense of belonging, purpose, and self-worth.
Social seniors tend to be more active, and regular interaction lowers stress, reduces blood pressure, and strengthens the immune system. Regular check-ins allow others to identify early signs of physical or mental decline, ensuring timely intervention. Interaction provides motivation for daily activities, such as going for walks or participating in hobbies, preventing the sedentary lifestyle that accelerates aging.
Click to expand...
I read an article yesterday that made similar points HC. Oh yeah and also the summary in @Michael Z's thread.
Addressing the "D" Word
 
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Sounds great. I'll let you know when I'll be there, but don't make a big fuss. I can sleep on the couch for a few months. I'm not particular.🤠
 
many of the elderly do have families but my own observation is that families are too busy living a full and fun packed life and have little time for the elderly?
 

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