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The Power of Connection

At Home Instead Sutton, we know that maintaining social connections is key to living a happy and fulfilling life, especially as we grow older.

At Home Instead Sutton, we know that maintaining social connections is key to living a happy and fulfilling life, especially as we grow older. Our wonderful team of Care Professionals see the difference it makes every day—lifting spirits, sparking joy, and supporting our clients’ wellbeing.

Recent studies from the University of Sheffield highlights that cognitive stimulation, which includes social interaction and group activities, can significantly reduce symptoms of depression in people with dementia, while also improving memory and overall cognitive function. They found that social engagement is a low-cost, accessible treatment that has been shown to positively impact the mental health and wellbeing of people living with dementia​.

With autumn bringing shorter, quieter days, it’s the perfect opportunity to seek out local activities that keep minds active and spirits high.

A woman assists an elderly man near a car with a scenic landscape in the background. - Home Instead

The Importance of Socialising

Regular social engagement not only fights isolation but also supports mental and cognitive health. Research from Dementia Care Central shows that older adults who stay socially active have a lower risk of dementia and feel less lonely and anxious which highlights the protective effects of connection.

Mental Stimulation for Dementia

For individuals living with dementia, keeping the brain engaged through activities like art, puzzles, or group interaction supports cognition, but as the Alzheimer’s Society points out, many brain training apps and games for sale make unsubstantiated claims on the link between dementia and brain training. If you are purchasing a game or an app for a loved one, make sure it has the research to back it up. NICE recommends cognitive stimulation therapy as an effective method to enhance memory, communication, and overall wellbeing for those with mild to moderate dementia.

Two people preparing food in a kitchen, man cutting vegetables, woman watching. - Home Instead

Activities to Support Wellbeing

In Sutton, there are plenty of activities available to support mental and physical wellbeing, such as:

  1. Tai Chi (Fridays, Sutton Civic Centre): This gentle exercise improves both physical and mental wellbeing, promoting relaxation, balance, and social interaction.
  2. Dance Fit Classes (Sutton Life Centre): Combining physical activity with fun, these classes encourage movement, social engagement, and mental clarity.
  3. Dementia Friendly Walks (Various locations): These walks offer a gentle, welcoming environment for older adults, allowing them to enjoy fresh air, socialise, and boost cognitive health.

Supporting Wellbeing Year-Round

By participating in local activities, older adults can stay active and connected, which is crucial for maintaining cognitive health and emotional wellbeing.

Whether through Tai Chi, walking, or dancing, staying socially engaged plays a vital role in living well as we age. If you wish to get further details on any of these classes, please visit this website or call us in the office on: 020 8103 2222

If you or a loved one needs some extra support getting out and about, please do get in to find out more about our services.

A woman comforts an older woman seated in a waiting area while another person reads a pamphlet in the background. - Home Instead