The Risks of Loneliness Among the Elderly
Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on April 06, 2017
The Risks of Loneliness Among the Elderly
Why lack of contact with others is a serious issue among seniors and what we can do about it.
As you grow older, your circle of friends and family tends to shrink. While technology has made it easier than ever before to talk with friends and loved ones, our society has become increasingly lonely. No group feels the sting of loneliness more than seniors.
According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, 18% of seniors live alone and 43% of seniors report feeling lonely on a regular basis. Surprisingly, in the same study, two-thirds of seniors who reported feeling lonely were married or living with a partner. This goes to show that it’s not about how many relationships you have but the quality of those relationships that’s important.
Some seniors lack a network of family and friends, while others voluntarily isolate themselves because they have mental health issues or depression. It’s not uncommon for some seniors to be alone for days or weeks at a time.
Loneliness should be treated like any health epidemic because it can have detrimental effects on people’s physical and mental health. Isolation and loneliness among seniors are signs that an elderly person lacks the tools and resources needed to lead a healthy, independent life.
Many people believe common myths about an ideal retirement, such as the dream of moving down to sunny Florida to sip cocktails on the beach. However, the reality of retirement is that you’re going to feel a lot more satisfied if you have quality relationships. This means that staying in an area where you have friends and family could be better for your emotional well being because you’ll have more meaningful relationships and will be able to spend quality time with people you care about.
Why Loneliness Is Bad for You
Loneliness has been linked to serious health problems. Loneliness may speed up the onset of dementia. According to a study in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry following more than 2,000 healthy seniors for three years, 13% of those who reported feeling lonely developed dementia by the end of the study, compared to only 6% of those who had strong social support.
There’s also a link between heart disease and loneliness. In one Swedish study, researchers found that coronary bypass patients who felt lonely had a mortality rate that was 2.5 times higher than other patients 30 days post-surgery.
How to Combat Loneliness in the Elderly
There are many things we can do to combat loneliness among the elderly. Most importantly, try to listen and observe more. Encourage your aging loved ones to express their thoughts and feelings. It’s important to listen closely to what they have to say and encourage them to talk about their passions and interests. Once you know what makes them tick, help to personalize a plan for them to get out there and meet new people. For example, if you find out that a senior likes singing, you can find a chorus for him to join.
Allow your elders to pass their knowledge onto you. They will be happy to teach you something they know well and it will be a great bonding experience. For example, perhaps you have a loved one who knows how to crochet. You can have her teach you how to do it. This will make your loved one feel valued.
Taking the steps to make your aging loved one feel less lonely is vital. Simple acts like calling your loved one to talk on the phone for 30 minutes each week or stopping by with some groceries can make your relative feel loved and connected. Encourage all members of the family to reach out and do the same.
Prevent Senior Loneliness by Finding the Right Senior Living Facility
If you’ve struggled to figure out which type of senior care is right for your loved one, you’re not alone. Senior Living Link can help you find a senior care facility, where your aging relative can build relationships, enjoy opportunities for socialization, and feel better connected. Visit our directory today to find a senior living facility near you!