Hearing loss treatment can help you to stay socially connected and live longer!
A recent study looking to understand life longevity has identified social connectivity as an important characteristic among those who live the longest. Unfortunately, hearing loss can sometimes prevent people from doing the things they enjoy the most with the people who matter most and this can impact their social connections. Fortunately, by pro-actively treating hearing loss, everyone can continue to live a long, healthy life with strong social connections.
Social Connectivity - A Lesson for Living Longer
*In 2004, Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest, teamed up with National Geographic and the world’s leading longevity researchers to identify pockets around the world where people lived measurably better. In these Blue Zones they found that people reach age 100 at rates 10 times greater than in the United States. After identifying the world’s Blue Zones, Dan and National Geographic took teams of scientists to each location to identify lifestyle characteristics that might explain longevity. They found that the lifestyles of all Blue Zones residents shared nine specific characteristics. Key among the strategies he discovered is the importance of staying socially connected. Staying socially connected is an important “habit” of the longest lived people. There are a number of benefits to staying socially connected.
People are evolutionarily designed to socialise so there is likely to be a biological link between connectedness and how well our bodies work. And the knowledge that we're that we're not alone in the world reduces stress and puts us at ease. I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to stay socially connected to your family, to your friends, to new people. - Dan Buettner
Hearing Loss Presents a Major Impediment to Staying Socially Connected
In a recent conference that explored the importance of staying socially connected for cognitive function and longevity, Buettner highlighted that hearing loss presents a major impediment to staying socially connected, citing studies showing that as people lose their hearing, they are more prone to depression.
It becomes harder to stay connected with family, with friends and you volunteer less. If you're starting to lose your hearing, something you can do pro-actively right now is to get the technology you need so you can hear well. It stacks the deck in your favor for more connectivity.- Dan Buettner
Hearing allows us to socialise, communicate and gives us an access to and awareness of our environment. It keeps us connected to our loved ones and to our everyday world. As hearing loss progresses, we lose these very important and fulfilling social connections. It is important to understand that hearing loss is a communication disorder and as such it doesn’t just affect you. It affects your family, friends, peers at works and just about anyone within your social network.
Treating Hearing Loss Early to Live Longer
The myth is that hearing loss happens to somebody else. But the reality is that it is a completely natural part of life and affects many of us as we get older. With the right care and attention, hearing loss can be managed to enable a normal, healthy and prolonged life. Read more about various treatment technologies available to help with hearing loss or if you would rather speak to an Audiologist then give us a call on 0207 935 5511. Not sure what to do next? You can take our free online hearing test if you are looking for a very simple indication of your hearing health.
*Sources: www.bluezones.comwww.healthyhearing.comwww.pro.oticonusa.com