The Benefits of Social Interaction for the Visually Impaired

“People who need people. . .” is more than just a phrase from a popular song. Having friends and outside interests can make a difference in living longer healthier lives.

Everyone needs to feel loved and supported – especially as we grow older and face new and overwhelming obstacles. As we age, friends truly can be lifesavers. The friend who brings chicken soup makes as much difference in feeling better faster as the soup itself. The friend who makes the re-assuring telephone call brightens up a day. Conversation, sharing, and being in touch with others gives living a purpose.

Large, extended families that were often available for support our now fewer. The number of one-person households has increased. People often move far from their families to work or retire. But staying connected to others has never been more important.

Several studies report fewer instances of illness with strong social ties. Statistics show that marriage, perhaps the strongest health tie, adds years to life expectancy. And mental illness and alcoholism rates are much lower when people feel a sense of belonging. Evidence of the benefits of social interaction was found in a study that reported that elderly people who like to eat out, go to the movies or take part in other social activities live an average of two and half years longer than people who spend most of their time alone. The physical health benefits of socializing were equal to physical exercise, even though the social activities involved almost no physical exertion. It wasn’t physical activity or physical health but feeling worthwhile that led to longer life. Good health and eating counted, but it was social interaction that was responsible for the results. This information is especially important to older people who may be more likely to lead solitary lives – especially if family and friends have moved away or died. Of course, combating loneliness requires time and energy, both in establishing new relationships and in deepening existing ones. The battle is even greater for those who are visually impaired. Limited transportation resources and anxiety resulting from diminished vision play a major role in social interaction.

So how can we ensure that strong human connections continue to be an integral part of our lives as we age with visual impairment? Aging experts recommend staying involved by maintaining a network of friends with whom we interact regularly. The Self Help Support Group program offered by Sight Loss Services began in 1980 with six visually impaired strangers who came from different parts of the Cape in search of a supportive connection to other people who were visually impaired. They listened, they helped, they leaned on each other, and they learned how to navigate the rest of their lives with visual impairment. In other words, they became friends. During 2008, 1,286 visually impaired people attended our Self Help Support Groups and gained emotional support and problem solving strategies from their peers. And while doing so, they, too, made friends. They even call each other between monthly meetings to offer a friendly voice to break up the silence. These group meetings are especially meaningful for those who live alone and cannot drive. In many cases, it is the only opportunity they have to socially interact with other people.

You should also know that Councils on Aging throughout the Cape & Islands offer a variety of programs and services to older residents of their towns. Activities are both stimulating and entertaining. Most Councils offer transportation resources to these programs for those unable to drive, including young visually impaired adults. Many local Libraries offer current events programs for the visually impaired. It takes one courageous step to socially connect, and once you get going, you may never stop! Friendship, love, and support are lifelines to be shared. It’s never too soon to start building relationships.

Social Interaction:
Sharing with friends helps multiply the joys and divide the sorrows.

(Excerps from articles by AARP and Ellen Gold of Lifescape, with additional comments by Laura Peterson of Sight Loss Services)

Back to Newsletter Page