As adults move into the later stages of life, they are at a greater risk of experiencing health issues. Long-term and short-term illnesses are greater and more frequent among older adults, and it takes longer to recover.
What you may not know is that senior loneliness is actually a common cause of health problems among older adults, especially among adults living alone. Learn more about the common effects of loneliness in seniors and how to prevent it.
Common Effects of Loneliness in Seniors
According to the National Institutes of Health, and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine research has linked loneliness and social isolation to higher risks for a number of ailments and diseases, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Anxiety
- Weakened immune system
- Depression
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cognitive decline
While more research is needed on the topic, humans are social in nature. When social interaction goes away, both the mind and body can be negatively affected. Seniors who find themselves unexpectedly alone due to the death of a spouse or loss of mobility are at particular risk.
What Contributes to Senior Loneliness?
Loneliness and the health effects that stem from it do not happen overnight. It is a process that can arise from multiple events over time, such as the loss of a loved one or gradual separation from friends and family.
Living Alone
Today, increasing numbers of seniors are choosing to live alone. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 14.7 million older adults live alone, more than a quarter of seniors aged 65 and older. Even seniors who keep active social lives can experience loneliness when they have no other person in the home with them.
In addition, some seniors who live alone develop a pattern of retreat, as they find it easier to stay at home than to make an effort to get out of the house and socialize. This pattern can easily lead to loneliness, social isolation, and eventual health problems.
Loss of a Partner
The loss of a partner is one of the most common reasons seniors experience loneliness. The sudden lifestyle change can be jarring for an older adult. Particularly in the event of a sudden loss, one day, it can feel like they have a partner, and the next day they are all alone.
Loss of Friends
Another common experience among older adults that leads to loneliness is the death of friends. Seniors tend to be friends with peers who are similar in age. It is, unfortunately, a common occurrence for seniors to lose friends to disease or simply old age.
The death of a close friend can change a senior’s social dynamics and decrease their overall social interactions.
Combating Loneliness in Seniors
Loneliness can be difficult to avoid for seniors, but changes in lifestyle and help from friends and family can make a big difference.
Adopt a Pet
Adopting a pet can be an effective way to combat loneliness in seniors. Not only does a pet provide companionship, but pets also encourage social interaction through walking the pet or connecting with other pet owners.
Develop a Family Plan
Often, all it takes for a family to step in and prevent loneliness for their loved one is developing a plan. Make a plan for the week or month for visits and activities that keep your loved one active.
Pick Up a New Hobby
For seniors, sometimes all it takes is picking up a new hobby or learning a new skill to keep loneliness at bay. Activities like golf, community games, or volunteering are great ways to stay active and increase their social interactions and sense of community.
Consider Assisted Living
For seniors, living alone comes with many potential downsides, including dependence on family for care, lack of mobility, and safety risks. Assisted living can provide independence for seniors while offering convenience and as much social interaction as residents want.
The bottom line is that combating loneliness in seniors takes effort, usually on both the part of the senior and on the part of the senior’s family. But with a bit of planning and dedication, seniors can live long and healthy lives without experiencing bouts of loneliness.
Caring Places Management’s Programs to Prevent Loneliness
Caring Places Management is committed to serving its residents and realizing the full potential of its current communities. We offer many programs to keep seniors engaged, including brain builders, life enrichment, and life skills stations.
Our programs help seniors in all situations, from older adults with prominent families to seniors aging alone without a family. Call us today for more information to schedule a tour of one of our communities.
