Community support is a way to improve your health and well-being. It can be found in the social connections that people develop through their friends, family, or even work. These connections often involve shared activities like sports or recreation, which encourage physical activity and social interaction with others.
There are many health benefits associated with community support. This article shows how community support helps improve health and well-being.
Community Support Helps Improve Physical Health
Community support can lead to better physical health. One study found that people with strong social ties were more likely to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. They were also more likely to get the recommended amount of sleep each night.
Another way community support helps with physical health is by building hospitals and clinics in the locality, especially in remote areas. Due to a lack of amenities, people in remote areas have to travel a long distance to get medical assistance. But with communities coming together to build clinics, people in such locations can easily get treated for everyday health problems and diseases.
For example, if the community builds a clinic, common problems like flu, fever, etc., can be treated quickly. Similarly, if communities use dental office buildout to build dental clinics, people can get treatment for their oral problems.
Community support can also help people recover from illness or injury more quickly. One study found that patients who had strong social ties were more likely to have a shorter hospital stay and be less likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of being discharged. This is because patients with strong social ties often have more support at home, which helps them recover more quickly.
Community Support Helps Improve Mental Health
Studies have shown that social interaction and support can help reduce stress levels and improve moods. Researchers found that people who had stronger social ties were less likely to experience depression than those who did not have as much social support.
Another way community support can help improve mental health is by providing a sense of belonging. When people feel like they belong to a community, they often feel more connected to others and have a greater understanding of purpose. This sense of connection and purpose can help reduce stress levels and improve mental health.
The sense of belonging by being a part of the community also helps improve self-confidence. When people feel like they are a part of something, they often feel more confident in themselves and their abilities. Self-confidence is vital for mental health as it can help people cope with stress and anxiety. Hence, community support helps improve mental health by boosting self-confidence.
Community support can also help people dealing with grief or loss. In one study, researchers found that people who had strong social ties were more likely to cope with grief healthily and were less likely to experience depression or anxiety.
Similarly, the community also supports releasing depression and anxiety by organizing various events. For example, a support group can be organized for people who have lost a loved one. This group will help the members share their experiences and emotions with others dealing with the same thing. Hence, community support is vital for mental health.
Community Support Helps Improve Cognitive Function
In addition to physical and mental health benefits, community support can also help improve cognitive function. One study found that older adults with strong social ties were less likely to experience declines in memory and thinking skills than those who did not have as much social support.
For example, if older adults are part of a community, they will often have opportunities to socialize and interact with others. This social interaction can help keep their mind active and sharp. Additionally, being part of a community can also provide a sense of purpose, which can help improve cognitive function.
Another study found that people who participated in social activities were less likely to experience cognitive decline than those who did not participate in social activities. This is because social interaction and support can help keep the brain active and engaged, which can help slow down the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Both dementia and Alzheimer’s are degenerative diseases that lead to cognitive decline. However, with a little community support, people can decline and fight these diseases and help improve cognitive functioning and overall health.
The health benefits of social interaction and community support are well-documented. If you’re looking for ways to improve your health and well-being, consider getting involved in your community. There are many ways to get involved, so find something that interests you and start today!
