The Benefits of Staying Social and Moving More

For older adults, staying active is more than just exercise. It’s also about building connections and enjoying life with others. Combining physical movement with social connections can have powerful benefits for both the body and the mind.

Physical Benefits of Group Activity

Group exercise offers older adults a workout, while providing structure, motivation, and proven health benefits that can extend quality of life. Research shows that seniors who participate in regular physical activity improve strength, balance, and flexibility.

The benefits go beyond the musculoskeletal system. Long-term involvement in community-based exercise programs has been shown to slow the decline of lower-body function and improve mobility compared to peers who are less active.

Aerobic activities such as walking, cycling, and water aerobics strengthen the heart, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation.

Exercise is also directly linked to brain health. Aerobic movement, while increasing circulation, increases blood flow to the brain, which can enhance memory, improve processing speed, and support cognitive flexibility. Studies have found that individuals with higher cardiovascular fitness have an 88% lower risk of developing dementia, with onset delayed by nearly a decade compared to those with lower fitness levels.

Finally, movement plays a major role in emotional and mental well-being. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, which elevate mood, improve sleep quality, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Group settings amplify these effects by combining the mood-lifting power of physical activity with the social benefits of share experiences.

Why Staying Connected Is Important

Staying socially active is essential for both emotional and cognitive wellbeing as we age. Social isolation and loneliness are associated with serious health risks, including depression, anxiety, dementia, and premature death. A study published by the National Library of Medicine found that chronic social isolation and loneliness was associated with a 50% increased risk of dementia. Another cohort study confirmed that elevated social isolation is tied to a higher mortality, disability, and dementia risk.

On the mental health side, loneliness is a known risk factor for depression and worsened sleep quality, which can impair executive functioning and accelerating cognitive decline.

Importantly, social connection isn’t just reactive. It actively supports brain function. Studies show that seniors with more frequent and meaningful social interactions perform better on memory and processing speed tests, even on a day-to-day basis. Larger social networks and regular engagement in social activities are also linked to better baseline cognitive performance and slower decline over time.

Our Neighborhood Programs

At Episcopal SeniorLife Communities, we offer our neighborhood programs at nine campuses and is open to all seniors who live in the surrounding neighborhood. Each promotes health and wellness through a tailored balance plan, nutrition education, strength training, informative presentations, and other activities. They can either register at the community they would like to attend or on our website. Anyone can look at our latest program schedule and join us today.