Social Interaction and Healthy Aging

Running head: SOCIAL INTERACTION AND HEALTHY AGING
SOCIAL INTERACTION AND HEALTHY AGING

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SOCIAL INTERACTION AND HEALTHY AGING
Table of contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Impact of the social relationship on healthy ageing.....................................................................3
Factors influencing healthy ageing..............................................................................................4
Social engagement on positive health behaviour on healthy ageing...........................................5
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................6
Reference list...................................................................................................................................8
Appendix........................................................................................................................................10

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SOCIAL INTERACTION AND HEALTHY AGING
Introduction
Relationship, as well as social interactions, facilitate the older adult in safeguarding
against certain illness by boosting the immune system. In addition to that, it conveys health
benefits such as decreased level of risk for cardiovascular problems as well as depression or
other problems. This particular study will highlight the factors that influence healthy ageing.
Impact of the social relationship on healthy ageing
As per the case study provided Fredric Arum is a 78 years old Australian citizen. Due to
his old age-related issues, his general physician suggested being more social. In this context, as
mentioned by Kim & Young (2017), social participation increases mental satisfaction. It is
helpful to maintain physical fitness and prevents disabilities. The positive impact of social
interaction reduces stress and anxiety among older people. Limited locomotors activities and
chronic diseases among older people are said to be related to a lack of social interaction. To
conduct this research author Kim surveyed 6892 persons aged 45 years. The result of this
research showed that older people are vulnerable to chronic diseases and severe depression. The
results also showed that older people with high and moderate level of cognitive function
impairment have less participation in social activities. The author also mentioned the lack of
awareness related to dementia in society. Awareness can create a supportive environment for
older people. As opined by Courtin & Knapp (2017), isolation influences mental health as well
as several other health issues in terms of older adults and affect healthy ageing.
On the other hand, Han et al. (2015) mentioned that each stage of life is influenced by the
previous stage of life. Quality of lifestyle has an impact on the health of older people. Healthy
ageing can be defined as a process which can be supported by social, psychological and physical
health. To identify the impact of healthy ageing Han conducted self-questioning survey on 171
people aged between 45 to 77 years. The result of this survey showed loneliness and depression

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SOCIAL INTERACTION AND HEALTHY AGING
hurt healthy ageing. Psychological factors such as ego integrity, self-achievement and self
esteems identify health conditions among older people.
Results of this research have presented that participation in social activities minimises the
risks of depression and loneliness. As mentioned by Sadana et al. (2016), community home
settings, proper infrastructure and availability of social interaction can be helpful for health
maintenance among older people.
From the results of these two studies, it can be highlighted that social interaction and
social activities play a big role in the maintenance of health in older people. As stated by Jeste et
al. (2016), social and cultural activities help to reduce stress among older people. Social
relationships can reduce depression and lack of physical activity among older people. It can also
be identified that each stage of life is dependent on the previous stage. (Refer to appendix)
Factors influencing healthy ageing
Healthy ageing generally involves psychological, social as well as spiritual well being.
As stated by Han et al. (2015), quality of life in old age is dependent on the lifestyle as well as
preparation for senescence in adulthood. In addition to that, healthy ageing extends beyond the
absence of disease, which involves physical, mental as well as social well being. As highlighted
by Han et al. (2015), the main factors that have a severe effect on healthy ageing involve
depression, self-esteem, self-achievement as well as ego integrity. In addition to that,
participating in leisure activities as well as loneliness also affects healthy ageing. In the
concerned case, Frederic Arum who is 78 years old can participate in different activities so that
he does not suffer from depression and maintain a healthy mental status. On a wider note, Cherry
et al. (2013) mentioned that social relationships, such as relationships with friends, family or
another significant individual also facilitates in boosting feeling, so the older adults as well as
also help in maintaining their health status properly.
Moreover, social support also plays a key role in safeguarding against various life
stresses in terms of ageing. In addition to that, note, Cherry et al. (2013) also highlighted that