Lonely Seniors: Here’s How It Is Hurting their Health

“Not many enjoy the process of ageing, and worse, ageing alone.’

According to a study, more than one in three seniors are lonely. Prolonged loneliness can pose a major threat to their health. Let us learn how to spot it early and help our loved ones.

Common Reasons for Loneliness in Seniors

Isolation does not necessary cause senior loneliness, but it definitely is a main contributing factor. Other common reasons include:

• Death of one’s spouse
• Lack of social network
• Children moving away
• Fear of becoming a burden
• Communication problems such as hearing issues and language barriers
• Cognitive deterioration such as dementia

Why is Loneliness Bad for Seniors?

1. Loneliness Increase Risk of Mortality

Senior who lives alone has a higher risk of mortality because getting help from others is less likely. This may cause them to get medical attention late and inadequately.

2. Reduced Physical and Mental Health

Loneliness has detrimental effect on both physical and mental health. As such, seniors who are in isolation are more prone to poor lifestyle habits such as smoking, inactivity, and poor nutrition. Besides, chronic mental stress can also worsen their physical health and well-being.

3. Cognitive Decline

Loneliness is responsible for cognitive decline, memory changes, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in seniors.

4. Major Risk Factor for Depression

In this context, loneliness always has huge negative impact on mood. For instance, people feel sad, pain, low self-worth, and lose interest in life. Therefore, loneliness has been closely associated with depression. On top of that, it can also aggravate the existing mental illness in all groups.

5. Long Term Illness

Isolation and loneliness in seniors are linked to high blood pressure, obesity, weak immune system, and heart disease. As a result, seniors who are lonely are more prone to long term illness.

Photo by Igo sutton from Flickr

What Are the Symptoms to Look Out for?

The first step towards solving senior loneliness is to identify it.  Look for these signs and symptoms:

• Feeling sad
• Loss of interest in hobbies or neglect daily activities
• Sleeping problems
• Memory decline
• Lack of energy
• Unexplained pains
• Neglect of personal hygiene

Ways to Reduce Seniors’ Loneliness

Solving loneliness is not as easy as getting the seniors together to socialize. One feels lonely when there is perceived discrepancy between an actual and desired relationship. So, some seniors may feel contented in isolation while others may feel lonely when surrounded by people.

Hence, it is crucial to identify the underlying cause. Although there are different solutions depending on the cause, the best one almost always involves meaningful relationship. Here are some examples:

1. Reduce Isolation

Get in touch with your loved ones. Visit them as often as possible. Meanwhile, try to bring them to participate in volunteering activities. Also, encourage them to socialize more with neighbors.

2. Pet Therapy

Is your loved one an animal lover? They can adopt an equally lonely animal and take care of it. Taking care of someone will make them feel a sense of purpose. Pet therapy can also reduce anxiety and boost memory.

3. Transportation to Get Around

Geographical freedom is important to let them socialize with others and participate in activities. Get a driver for them or teach them to grab a cab to get around.

4. Engaging in Hobbies

Whether it’s drawing, volunteering, exercising or dancing, empower them to engage in something that interest them. This gives them a sense of living.

Photo by Wolfgang Koehler from Flickr

Conclusion

Overall, it’s all about the meaningfulness of the relationship. Care for your loved one genuinely. Let them know that ageing is normal and there’s no better way to enjoy the time of getting old with your loved ones.

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References

1. Sarah S. 20 Facts about senior isolation that will stun you [Internet]. A Place for Mom. 2019. [Available from: https://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/10-17-14-facts-about-senior-isolation/; last updated on 2019 Nov 15; last accessed on 2020 Feb 5]
2. Sally A. You are not alone: 6 steps to reduce senior isolation [Internet]. A Place for Mom. 2017. [Available from: https://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/9-2-14-reduce-senior-isolation/; last accessed on 2020 Feb 5]

Tags

• Blood pressure
• dementia
• healthy living
• heart disease
• isolation
• loneliness
• lonely
• memory function
• mental health
• pet therapy