July is Social Wellbeing Awareness Month

Social Wellbeing Understanding and Ways to Improve It

By James Morris

Social well-being is one of the most essential parts of general health as we age. It is comprised of relationships with other people, the ability to socialize, and feeling like you’re part of the community. In this article, we will try to understand what social well-being is, how you may identify that you are indeed suffering from poor social well-being, what you can do to increase it, and resources that will help.

What do we mean by Social Wellbeing?

Social well-being: the quality of relationships and social interactions, having supportive friendships, involvement in community activities, and feeling connected to others. High levels of social well-being are associated with improved mental and physical health, higher life satisfaction, and longer lifespans.

How to Identify Poor Social Well-being

It is essential to know some of the signs showing one is in low social wellness. Some of the most common indications include the following:

Loneliness: Constantly feels lonely or socially isolated, even within a social context.
Inadequate Social Activities: Very few social events or activities are undertaken.
Poor Relationships: Their relationships with their family, friends, or community members are not good.
Reduced enjoyment: Taking little pleasure in the activities you used to enjoy, especially those that take place in the company of others.
Withdrawal: Avoidance of social interaction, better off alone.

When you see the above signs in yourself, it’s time to take proactive measures to improve your social wellness.

Steps to Improve Your Social Wellness

Improving social well-being can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling. Following are some things you might do:

Get Out and Socialize: Participate in social activities that pique your interest. Redmond Senior Center will be hosting a variety of events from art classes to fitness groups, all of which will be great ways to meet new people.
Volunteer: Giving back to your community may give your life meaning and also keep you closely connected with other people. Many local organizations always need volunteers.
Reconnect with Friends and Family: Try getting back in touch with your old friends or make it a point to be with your loved ones more frequently. Frequent calls, video chats, or visits help to bond more with these close connections.
Attend social events: In most community centers, libraries, or local parks, there are plenty of organized social events where you can participate. These types of social functions are great ways to meet new people.
Join a Support Group: Sometimes, talking to people who can truly understand what you are going through could be more beneficial than this. Support groups provide safe spaces for people to share and connect.

Resources to Get Help

If you feel you require more formal support, several resources can help you boost your social well-being:

Redmond Senior Center: This is the place where different social activities are conducted that help to create a bond, companionship, and meeting new friends, so please view our monthly calendar for the activities happening next.
Community Services: The community services outside Redmond are primarily social and recreational programs, and more information can be accessed from the city’s website.
Mental Health Professionals: Should the feeling above of loneliness or social anxiety persist, do not delay speaking to a mental health professional. They are there to provide you with tools and support to help make your socialization better.
Online Communities: Indeed, online communities and forums can be accessed whereby an individual can interact with others and share their interests. In some cases, if an individual has a problem related to mobility, it will be highly comfortable this way.

Conclusion

Social well-being is one of the essential constituents in defining the quality of happy and healthy living. Knowing the signs of weak social wellness and acting to become more social can significantly help enhance your quality of life. Keep in mind that there are many resources there to help you along the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out and use the resources in your area. We can make a more connected and supportive community at Redmond Senior Center.

Signs to look for in someone who may be suffering from a lack of socialization:

Increased Isolation: Spending more time alone and avoiding social interactions.
Decline in Personal Hygiene: Neglecting personal grooming and cleanliness.
Changes in Sleep Patterns: Experiencing insomnia, excessive sleeping, or irregular sleep habits.
Loss of Appetite: Eating less or showing a lack of interest in food.
Mood Swings: Exhibiting signs of depression, anxiety, or mood swings.
Cognitive Decline: Showing signs of memory loss or confusion.
Decreased Physical Activity: Becoming less physically active or mobile.
Lack of Interest in Activities: Losing interest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed.
Frequent Health Issues: Experiencing more frequent illnesses or a decline in overall health.
Withdrawal from Family and Friends: Avoiding contact with family and friends, even on holidays or special occasions.
Expressing Feelings of Loneliness: Verbally expressing feelings of loneliness or sadness.
Increased Use of Alcohol or Medication: Relying more on alcohol or medications to cope with feelings of loneliness.
Changes in Appearance: Noticing significant changes in weight, either loss or gain, and a general decline in appearance.
Lack of Motivation: Showing a lack of motivation or enthusiasm for life.
Neglecting Home Environment: Letting the home become cluttered or unclean.

Monitoring these signs can help identify seniors who may be suffering from social isolation and prompt the necessary interventions to improve their well-being.