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Tips for Staying Socially Active
Being diagnosed with dementia does not mean you have to withdraw from social activities. Staying socially engaged with friends and family can boost your self-esteem, which can lead to better eating habits and better sleep.[1]
It is important that both individuals with dementia and their caregivers engage in and maintain an active social life. Doing so not only helps reduce the risk of depression, but also fosters stronger relationships between individuals with dementia and their caregivers, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
Tips for Staying Socially Active
Being diagnosed with dementia does not mean you have to withdraw from social activities. Staying socially engaged with friends and family can boost your self-esteem, which can lead to better eating habits and better sleep.[1]
It is important that both individuals with dementia and their caregivers engage in and maintain an active social life. Doing so not only helps reduce the risk of depression, but also fosters stronger relationships between individuals with dementia and their caregivers, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
Impacts of Dementia on Social Life
People living with dementia may become socially withdrawn. Dementia can cause challenges such as withdrawal, a decrease in social engagement, and communication difficulties, which all impact an individual’s social functioning.[2]
These challenges can lead to exclusion from social activities[3], loneliness, and depression, which can result in further cognitive decline. There are several reasons why individuals with dementia may become less socially active:
Communication difficulties
Progressive cognitive and sensory decline may make communication increasingly difficult for individuals with dementia. They may have trouble speaking, understanding others, and using the right words[4], [5], [6]. Communication difficulties may make individuals with dementia feel insecure about participating in social activities.
Loss of social interest
Apathy in dementia refers to the loss of interest or motivation that is not caused by changes in consciousness, thinking ability, or emotional distress. Apathy in dementia is linked to neuronal damage in brain areas responsible for executive functions such as planning and executing actions.[7] Individuals with dementia who experience apathy may not be interested in planning activities for themselves, joining conversations, or talking to people.[8]
Distress from over-stimulation
Individuals with dementia may become distressed from too much sensory stimulation, such as being in a noisy room with lots of people. This may lead them to socialize and communicate less, and become more withdrawn over time.
Increased anxiety
Many individuals with dementia feel that their cognitive decline disconnects them from other people, which in turn can cause feelings of anxiety, depression, and reduced self-esteem, which can cause them to be less social and withdraw from society.
Physical environmental factors
An individual’s participation in social activities can be influenced by their physical environment, including their homes environment.[9] Accessible environments, such as activity venues with convenient transportation, can facilitate social participation, while less accessible environments can become barriers to social participation.[10], [11]
Impacts of Dementia on Social Life
People living with dementia may become socially withdrawn. Dementia can cause challenges such as withdrawal, a decrease in social engagement, and communication difficulties, which all impact an individual’s social functioning.[2]
These challenges can lead to exclusion from social activities[3], loneliness, and depression, which can result in further cognitive decline. There are several reasons why individuals with dementia may become less socially active:
Communication difficulties
Progressive cognitive and sensory decline may make communication increasingly difficult for individuals with dementia. They may have trouble speaking, understanding others, and using the right words[4], [5], [6]. Communication difficulties may make individuals with dementia feel insecure about participating in social activities.
Loss of social interest
Apathy in dementia refers to the loss of interest or motivation that is not caused by changes in consciousness, thinking ability, or emotional distress. Apathy in dementia is linked to neuronal damage in brain areas responsible for executive functions such as planning and executing actions.[7] Individuals with dementia who experience apathy may not be interested in planning activities for themselves, joining conversations, or talking to people.[8]
Distress from over-stimulation
Individuals with dementia may become distressed from too much sensory stimulation, such as being in a noisy room with lots of people. This may lead them to socialize and communicate less, and become more withdrawn over time.
Increased anxiety
Many individuals with dementia feel that their cognitive decline disconnects them from other people, which in turn can cause feelings of anxiety, depression, and reduced self-esteem, which can cause them to be less social and withdraw from society.
Physical environmental factors
An individual’s participation in social activities can be influenced by their physical environment, including their homes environment.[9] Accessible environments, such as activity venues with convenient transportation, can facilitate social participation, while less accessible environments can become barriers to social participation.[10], [11]
Tips for Individuals with Dementia
01
Participate in Community Programs and Activities
-
- Mealtime is a good opportunity for socialization. Invite your family and friends to join you for meals.
- Maximize your daily opportunities to chat with others, such as talking to your neighbours or staff at the grocery store when you go shopping.
- Participate in spiritual or religious activities.
- Engage in group activities like music therapy and art therapy programs.
- Join virtual community programs and interest classes.
- Stay connected with your family and friends by calling, video chatting, or emailing them.
- Visit the Alzheimer Society website to find dementia programs and services in your area.
02
Participate in Support Groups
- Support groups for individuals with dementia and their caregivers encourage mutual experience sharing, learning from others, and promote engagement and socialization. This reduces isolation and increases social support for individuals and families affected by dementia.[12], [13]
- In-person, virtual, and phone support groups are available. Reach out to your local community centre for more information about support groups in your area.
Tips for Families and Caregivers
01
Participate in Community Programs and Activities
-
- Mealtime is a good opportunity for socialization. Invite your family and friends to join you for meals.
- Maximize your daily opportunities to chat with others, such as talking to your neighbours or staff at the grocery store when you go shopping.
- Participate in spiritual or religious activities.
- Engage in group activities like music therapy and art therapy programs.
- Join virtual community programs and interest classes.
- Stay connected with your family and friends by calling, video chatting, or emailing them.
- Visit the Alzheimer Society website to find dementia programs and services in your area.
02
Participate in Support Groups
- Support groups for individuals with dementia and their caregivers encourage mutual experience sharing, learning from others, and promote engagement and socialization. This reduces isolation and increases social support for individuals and families affected by dementia.[12], [13]
- In-person, virtual, and phone support groups are available. Reach out to your local community centre for more information about support groups in your area.
Tips for Families and Caregivers
Tailor activities to individual needs and goals
When selecting social activities for individuals with dementia, tailor the activities to the individual’s specific needs and interests to create positive experiences.
Focus on strength and capacity
Social activities should focus on leveraging the individual’s strengths, capacity, and talents. For example, involving individuals with dementia as volunteers allows them to contribute their talents to their community, and promotes autonomy, self-esteem, and social inclusion.[14]
Strengthen social networks
Help individuals with dementia strengthen their social networks by extending invitations to social gatherings. This can have a positive impact on their mental and social well-being. For example, invite family and friends over for a social gathering, help them schedule phone calls or video meetings with others, or help them participate in support groups.
Recognize challenges
Individuals with dementia may experience changes in their abilities and senses that can impact their social interactions and participation in activities.
Show empathy
Ask individuals with dementia about the support they require, and be receptive to engaging at times that suit their needs. Empathizing and being respectful of their needs can enhance their comfort in social situations.
Do activities together
Engaging in activities together such as exercising or exploring new hobbies provides further opportunites to socialize and strengthen relationships.
Provide transportation
Offer to accompany or drive individuals with dementia to their activities. You can also contact your local community centre for more information about transportation services.
Useful Resources
- Research Institute for Aging: Isolation and Enhancing Social Connections – An inspirational guide for people living with dementia and care partners
- Alzheimer Society of Canada: Staying Socially Connected
- Dementia Care Central: Importance of Maintaining Social Interactions & Activities with Dementia or Alzheimer’s
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong: Walking with people with dementia (Chinese)
References
[1] Ruthirakuhan, Myuri, Angela C. Luedke, Angela Tam, Ankita Goel, Ayaz Kurji, and Angeles Garcia. “Use of Physical and Intellectual Activities and Socialization in the Management of Cognitive Decline of Aging and in Dementia: A Review.” Journal of Aging Research 2012 (December 31, 2012): 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/384875.
[2] Sampson, E. L., Leurent, B., & Blanchard, M. R. (2015). Social networks and loneliness in dementia: a review of the literature. International Psychogeriatrics, 27(7), 1085-1102.
[3] Mok, E., Lai, C. K. Y., Wong, F. L. F., & Wan, P. (2007). Living with early-stage dementia: The perspective of older Chinese people. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 59(6), 591–600. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2007.04368.x
[4] Ash, S., McMillan, C., Gross, R. G., Cook, P., Gunawardena, D., Morgan, B., Boller, A., Siderowf, A., & Grossman, M. (2012). Impairments of speech fluency in Lewy body spectrum disorder. Brain and language, 120(3), 290–302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bandl.2011.09.004
[5] Henry, J. D., Phillips, L. H., & von Hippel, C. (2014). A meta-analytic review of theory of mind difficulties in behavioural-variant frontotemporal dementia. Neuropsychologia, 56(1), 53–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.NEUROPSYCHOLOGIA.2013.12.024
[6] Woodward M. (2013). Aspects of communication in Alzheimer’s disease: clinical features and treatment options. International psychogeriatrics, 25(6), 877–885. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610213000318
[7] Lyketsos CG, Rosenblatt A, Rabins P. Forgotten frontal lobe syndrome or “executive dysfunction syndrome”. Psychosomatics. 2004;45(3):247‐255. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psy.45.3.247
[8] Alzheimer’s Society. (2021). Apathy in dementia. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/apathy-dementia
[9] Cohen-Mansfield, J., Marx, M. S., Freedman, L. S., Murad, H., Regier, N. G., Thein, K., & Dakheel-Ali, M. (2011). The comprehensive process model of engagement. The American journal of geriatric psychiatry : official journal of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, 19(10), 859–870. https://doi.org/10.1097/JGP.0b013e318202bf5b
[10] Charras, K. (2011). Familiarity and domesticity: The Eval’zheimer (R) way of life. International Psychogeriatrics, 23(Suppl 1), S216–S217.
[11] Verbeek, H., Zwakhalen, S. M., van Rossum, E., Ambergen, T., Kempen, G. I., & Hamers, J. P. (2010). Dementia care redesigned: Effects of small-scale living facilities on residents, their family caregivers, and staff. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 11(9), 662–670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2010.08.001
[12] Chien, Ling Chu, Hsin Chu, Jong Long Guo, Yuan Liao, Lu-I Chang, Chiung-Tong Chen, and Kuei Ru Chou. “Caregiver Support Groups in Patients with Dementia: A Meta-Analysis.” International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 26, no. 10 (October 1, 2011): 1089–98. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.2660.
[13] Rebecca G. Logsdon, Susan M. McCurry, and Linda Teri, “Evidence-Based Psychological Treatments for Disruptive Behaviors in Individuals with Dementia.,” Psychology and Aging 22, no. 1 (2007): 28–36, https://doi.org/10.1037/0882-7974.22.1.28.
[14] van Rijn, A., Meiland, F., & Dröes, R. M. (2019). Linking DemenTalent to Meeting Centers for people with dementia and their caregivers: a process analysis into facilitators and barriers in 12 Dutch Meeting Centers. International psychogeriatrics, 31(10), 1433–1445. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610219001108
