Benefits of Shopping
Many older adults lead active, fulfilling lives that break down the stereotype of aging grandparents sitting passively on rocking chairs waiting for family visits. These older individuals are integrated, interactive participants in their communities, which in turn contributes to their wellbeing overall.
However, being active does not necessarily mean seniors need a full schedule of planned activities. Studies indicate engaging in daily life activities can have far-reaching benefits. Shopping, for example, is a daily life activity that can stimulate cognitive processes, provide physical benefits, and function as a leisure pursuit that promotes social engagement. This simple, daily activity may be a strong factor in quality of life for seniors who may not be as active or physically well as their counterparts.
Since shopping is an common activity, most people do not consider the cognitive processes involved in making everyday purchases. Shoppers must identify items needed, determine where the items can be obtained, evaluate and compare before and after purchase, and determine value as compared to cost. While engaging in these processes can sometimes be attributed to buying habits, seniors who regularly shop are stimulating the areas of the brain involved in the decision-making process.
The physical benefits are notable as well. Older adults who shop regularly may actually live longer than those who do not. One study of more than 1800 individuals aged 65 or over showed that participants who shopped every day, particularly men, had a 27% lower risk of death than those who did not. Researchers reason that it is possible that the physical activity (walking) involved in shopping, the opportunity for these older individuals to buy food and make buying decisions that positively affected good diet and health, and the social interaction may be key components of this decrease risk.
This last component, social interaction, is one that may affect life span because it affects life quality. Some studies of social engagement related to longevity show that older adults who are more socially engaged had 50% increased chance of living longer than those who were more isolated. The shopping experience can add to social engagement by allowing the older adult to meet and interact new people during the outing as well as using the outing as a social experience with friends and family.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of shopping as a life-enriching activity is that it can be enjoyed by most older adults, even those who may have health problems. With a little help from family, friends, or even caregivers when required, seniors with mobility or transportation challenges can experience the cognitive, health, and social benefits a day on the town can provide.
Manukau East Shopping Shuttle 0800 632 677
Think You’ve Got the Answer? Today’s Riddle Says ‘Prove It’!
If eleven plus two equals one, what does nine plus five equal?
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Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Calling All Puzzle Masters! Can You Solve This?
When John was six years old he hammered a nail into his favorite tree to mark his height.
Ten years later at age sixteen, John returned to see how much higher the nail was.
If the tree grew by five centimetres each year, how much higher would the nail be?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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