According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 43% of adults 60 years of age and older feel lonely. Social isolation is a serious factor for older adults. Feelings of isolation can lead to a range of health issues, including heart disease and depression.
Senior adults who interact with others and participate in meaningful activities tend to live longer and have a greater sense of purpose. Loneliness for older adults has become a public health crisis. At TerraBella Riverplace in beautiful Columbus, GA, we understand the impact of social withdrawal on seniors and the value of connection in the golden years of life.
The good news is that there are many ways of combating loneliness in seniors. Here are some tips to help you or a loved one prevent social isolation.
Social Isolation in Senior Adults
Social isolation often increases as people age. As adult children leave home and begin lives of their own, older adults may begin to feel less connected. When a spouse, close friend, or family member dies, some older adults may become sad and begin to keep to themselves.
The first step to helping yourself or a loved one overcome loneliness is to understand the impact social isolation can have. Providing emotional support for seniors may prevent the following conditions:
- Anxiety and depression
- Weakened immune system
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Cognitive decline
Community engagement for seniors is crucial and can lead to increased overall health and well-being. Seniors who engage with others tend to exercise more, sleep better, and make healthier choices. Some signs you or a loved one may be experiencing social isolation include:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty completing tasks
- Low appetite
- Trouble concentrating
- Challenges with communication
- Reduced enjoyment in hobbies and activities
Combating Loneliness in Seniors
There are many ways to combat loneliness and help seniors feel a greater sense of connection. A few ideas include:
Understand Their Needs
Many seniors today spend the majority of their time alone. They may lack the knowledge or resources to stay connected with others. They may keep their feelings to themselves. They may not ask for help, so it’s important to talk to your loved one and ask if they’re struggling with loneliness.
Understanding their needs is key to helping them thrive. Some issues of social isolation are easier to solve than others. Consider whether your loved one has the technology to reach out to others or if they need a hearing aid or mobility device.
Pick Up the Phone
When life is busy, you may want to reach out to loved ones but fail to follow through. Taking a few minutes of your day to reach out to a senior family member can have a huge impact on their lives.
Staying in contact helps them feel valued and gives them something to look forward to. Setting up regular phone calls, video chats, emails, or texts provides a feeling of togetherness when you can’t be there. Many older adults enjoy old-fashioned letter writing. This can be a special way to connect and share the details of your life with them.
Acknowledge Their Losses
For many senior adults, grief and loss are part of their everyday lives. Losing people they love can have a profound effect on their mental health. They may experience social withdrawal and deep feelings of loneliness. They can face other types of losses as well, including the loss of independence, leaving their home, or saying goodbye to a lifelong career.
For many seniors, grief can be a difficult topic to discuss. You can start by acknowledging their experiences and providing a safe space for them to share their feelings. The goal is for them to feel supported, reduce feelings of loneliness, and build coping skills.
Encourage Old or New Hobbies
Having a hobby to look forward to can prevent feelings of senior isolation. This is especially true if the hobby involves being around others. If your loved one doesn’t have a hobby, talk to them about things they once enjoyed or something they would like to do. Even if you have to modify senior social activities to their current level of functioning, it could bring some excitement to their lives. Transitioning to a senior living community can offer new opportunities for combating loneliness and enjoying activities with new friends.
Volunteer
Seniors are full of knowledge and wisdom and have so much to offer their communities. Volunteering allows them to bond with others and feel good about giving back. A sense of altruism may increase their self-esteem and boost their mood. Some possible volunteer opportunities include:
- Becoming a mentor
- Helping at church
- Volunteering at a local museum
- Assisting with community or neighborhood cleanup
- Helping at a local animal shelter
- Knitting blankets for babies or those in need
Gardening to Connect to Nature
Getting their hands in the soil is fun and productive for many seniors. Gardening provides an opportunity for some sunshine and exercise. It’s a great way to get seniors invested in a project. They love seeing the fruit of their labors grow and thrive. It’s a fun social activity for seniors with a shared interest.
Ask for Help
Talking to a healthcare professionalcan help older adults share their feelings and understand how social isolation is affecting them. Talking to a trusted professional can help seniors ease fears, navigate these feelings, and find solutions. They can learn healthy aging strategies for connecting with others, dealing with grief, and combating feelings of loneliness.
Social Withdrawal and Seniors
Seniors deserve the best lives possible. They shouldn’t have to deal with social isolation and feelings of loneliness in their everyday lives. Seniors and their loved ones must understand the best strategies for dealing with social withdrawal so they can move forward with greater hope and purpose.
At TerraBella Riverplace, we know the value of building and strengthening connections. If you or your loved one is considering a senior living community, we offer exclusive lifestyle programs, including health and wellness opportunities, scheduled excursions, fun events, and fine dining.
Contact Terra Bella Riverplace today to learn more or schedule a visit.
