The Importance of Community in San Francisco's Elderly Care

As older adults age, it’s normal for them to feel that their social circles are getting smaller and smaller. This may be due to a number of reasons: lower energy levels, retirement, living together and/or children living far away from them. According to a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.

Risk Factors of Isolation and Social Isolation

Feelings of loneliness and social isolation also bring a number of risk factors beyond affecting your mood. Numerous studies have linked isolation and loneliness to mental health conditions, dementia, stroke, heart disease, and death. Having a social community has been proven to have great benefits in terms of higher levels of physical activity, greater positive moods, and fewer negative feelings.  On top of this, being in a social network will also help seniors feel purpose and support in times of crisis.

Community in San Francisco Elderly Care

In San Francisco, seniors (60+) take up about 16% of the population and the fastest growing age group. This prompts the need for elderly services catered to the aging demographic and tailor it to a community-centered approach that helps them socialize with their peers.

San Francisco Community Resources for Seniors

When helping seniors choose a social activity or community events, it is important to tailor it to their interests and allow them to choose the type of activities they enjoy. Here are a few ideas to try:

- Attending community events such as family markets, public concerts or religious services

- Spending time at community centers

- Joining a hobby or support group

- Signing up for group fitness classes

The San Francisco Human Services Agency (HSA) provides a unique role in supporting its residents by providing programs that help adults, children and seniors feel connected. A sense of community is the heart of their approach when extending help, with their Disability + Aging Services providing intergenerational social activities for seniors to try. Here’s a list of resources for local community services in San Francisco:

- Adult Day Programs which are daycare services to adults needing assistance with non-medical activities of daily living and to people who may have cognitive impairments.

- Intergenerational Programs which engage both generations to share talents and resources that benefit each other through music, art, cooking, technology training and other types of activities.

- Village Program which is a nonprofit membership organization that helps older adults with resources and support to take charge of their lives.

- Adult Learning and Activities which HSA and its community partners offer a wide range of free or low-cost classes and activities for older people.

For their list of resources, view this link: https://www.sfhsa.org/services/disability-aging-services/community-activities.

Aside from feeling  a sense of community, care extends beyond social activities and includes a comprehensive healthcare system that would support seniors. Personalized care and assistance from Care Indeed contributes to the overall welfare of our loved ones and encompasses companionship services, medication management programs, assistance and so much more. Our services are situated conveniently across the Bay Area, find out more about our services here: https://careindeed.com/