Dr. Zoe Williams is a television presenter and medical expert with an exciting strategy for improving mental health which is playing ping pong. Dr. Williams is working to highlight the benefits that activities such as dart, ping pong, shuffleboard, and axe throwing can have on boosting the well-being of the players, emphasizing the value of social interaction and friendly competition in sporting games' positive influence on mental health.
ARush University (US) team reports that more frequent social activity associates with subsequently reduced rates of cognitive decline, among seniors with dementia.
Introduction to Social-Emotional Learning
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is crucial in fostering students' emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. It involves teaching children how to manage emotions,...
The world we live in today has become increasingly connected, thanks to social media. However, the widespread and intense use of social platforms has raised concerns regarding their impact on mental and physical health.
Let’s take a look at statistics showing how people consume social media on a daily and monthly basis:
There are over five billion people on social media in 2024.
69% of adults and over 80% of teenagers in the U.S. use social media.
On average, social media users engage with 6-7 different platforms each month.
People spend an average of 2 hours and 20 minutes per day online.
Short videos (less than one minute) capture the most attention of 66% of social media users.
According to Statista, there were an estimated 4.89 billion social media users worldwide in 2023, which represents approximately half of the world's population. This staggering number can only keep growing. From kids to boomers, social media has become an integral part of daily life for many, offering connection, entertainment, and information at our fingertips.
However, behind the scrolling feeds and endless likes lies a phenomenon with potentially serious consequences: social media addiction. As this digital dependency permeates society, its impact on mental and physical health is coming under increasing scrutiny.
Let’s dive into the signs of social media addiction and explore its profound effects on well-being.
Nothing compares to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion. The unconditional love of a pet can do more than keep you company. Pets may also decrease stress, improve heart health, and even help children with their emotional and social skills.
An estimated 68% of U.S. households have a pet. But who benefits from an animal? And which type of pet brings health benefits?
Senior loneliness and isolation are serious public health concerns that require our focus. Age, changing social dynamics, bereavement, and restricted mobility are just a few of the reasons why seniors often feel cut off from the outside world. Loneliness and social isolation can have a serious negative impact on seniors' physical and mental health as well as their general well-being. This article will discuss risk assessment methods and provide several strategies for encouraging social interaction in addition to exploring the negative health effects of loneliness and social isolation in the elderly.
Assisted living communities play a vital role in combating loneliness among seniors by providing a supportive and engaging environment. Senior living communities offer a sense of companionship through shared activities, communal dining, and social events tailored to residents' interests. The presence of peers and a dedicated staff fosters meaningful connections, reducing feelings of isolation. Additionally, assisted living facilities often organize group outings, fitness classes, and hobby-based groups, encouraging seniors to participate in a variety of social interactions. The communal living aspect allows seniors to form friendships, share experiences, and create a sense of belonging. The care and attention provided in memory care communities contribute to a vibrant and socially connected atmosphere, addressing the mental and emotional well-being of seniors and enhancing their overall quality of life.
According to research published in the journal Health & Place conducted by researchers at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at the University of California San Diego, adults living in walkable neighborhoods are more likely to interact with their neighbors and develop a stronger sense of community that those who live in car-dependent communities.
