“ The Golden Girls,” a late ‘80s sitcom centered on four older women sharing a home in Miami, was a testimony week after week of the importance of friendship – close social connections that are an essential source of happiness. In fact, a study by researchers at Brigham Young University suggests low social interaction is as harmful to one’s longevity as smoking and alcoholism and is twice as harmful as obesity.
Many senior adults believe remaining in their current home is key to staying connected with friends, thereby remaining independent and socially active.
“However, staying in your home can result in isolation and loneliness,” says Marian Dehan, community outreach manager for The Oaks of Louisiana. “As we get older, our children leave home, we lose spouses, and friends move away.
Add to that retirement – with the loss of a regular work cycle and close connection with colleagues – and a loss of purpose in life can result.”
Dehan says, “Consequently there is more opportunity to feel trapped and alone in your own home. It is important to live where you are able to build new friendships and social connections.” The Oaks of Louisiana offers that. The master-planned community for ages 55 and older promotes active, healthy living – physically, socially and spiritually. “Residents enjoy lovely apartment homes, beautiful grounds, first-class services and amenities,” Dehan says. “The daily opportunities to engage in new activities with like-minded people ensure residents continue living a full and stimulating life. “What’s wonderful about living at The Oaks,” Dehan continues, “is you don’t have to lose your connections to family and friends who live elsewhere. Pat Madden, a longtime Shreveporter and resident of Garden Apartments at The Oaks, has lived at The Oaks for more than five years. During that time, she has maintained ties to many friends she has known for decades, as well as developed new friendships within The Oaks community.
“I still belong to a lunch bunch, a group that has lunch together about once a month,” Madden says. “I also participate in other things outside of campus. I drive my own car and am very independent. Of course, my friends have been very good to come visit me. Living here has not prevented me from maintaining my friendships but has prevented me from feeling isolated and lonely.” “Everybody needs interaction socially,” she says. “If you sit at home by yourself you tend to get lonely and have depression from time to time. Here I am surrounded by people who share my interests. We are more than friends. We are family.” Adds Dehan: “Strong interpersonal relationships and social interactions are vital for good physical and emotional health and cognitive function. Research shows that older adults who have strong social networks live longer and are healthier compared to those with little social support.” Social support is built in at The Oaks of Louisiana – a benefit often lacking for the senior adult living in a single-family home. Unless you are Blanche, Rose, Dorothy or Sophia.
