Prevent Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Seniors

Lonely older adults are more likely to live shorter lives than their peers and spend less of their remaining life in good health or being active, according to a new study.

“This study is timely because stay-at-home and physical distancing measures instituted since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic have only intensified concern for the mental and physical well-being of older persons,” says Yasuhiko Saito from the College of Economics at Nihon University and a senior co-author of the study.

It’s vital to check in on your senior loved ones and friends to ensure their health is not declining from social isolation and loneliness, especially due to the pandemic. If you think they are, there are several programs to help combat this and even care for your senior loved one if they can no longer live on their own.

Several factors promote healthy aging, commonly known as eating a well-balanced diet, exercising daily, and also one of the most important: avoiding isolation and loneliness. Experts say remaining connected with friends and family will most likely keep you from becoming lonely or isolated and on track towards a healthier lifestyle which will also push you to get health checkups and other self-related care. 

“The study findings also show that people aged 60, who perceive themselves to be sometimes lonely or mostly lonely, can expect to live three to five years less, on average, compared to peers who perceive themselves as never lonely. Similarly, at ages 70 and 80, lonely older people can, on average, expect to live three to four and two to three years less, respectively, compared to non-lonely peers.”

In fact, another study suggests that loneliness increases your chance of stroke or coronary heart disease by 30% while feelings of social connection can strengthen the immune system and lower levels of anxiety and depression, ultimately leading to a longer life. 

Having a strong, supportive group of friends can largely influence you to live a long and prosperous life. Of course, we all know the older we get, the harder it is to engage in social activities and keep/make friends and due to reasons beyond our control, many seniors find their social circle lessening. A friend may move away to be near their adult children or retire or relocate to warmer areas. To offset these changes and combat loneliness, it may be a good idea to explore these activities: 

• Programs for older adults at a fitness center or the YMCA
• Book clubs at the local library 
• Volunteer at a local museum
• Senior groups at church or other religious gatherings
• Other areas of interest like gardening clubs 

Moving to a senior living or assisted living community is another way to increase your socialness and avoid a decline in health due to isolation. Residents will soon find friends who support and comfort one another through the ups and downs of retirement. These communities offer an abundance of enrichment programs designed to nurture the body, mind, and spirit and keep you active so you can live out your golden years in a long and prosperous manner. 

Assisted Living is a part of long-term care services that provides a combination of housing and personal care as well as healthcare. It’s great for seniors who can no longer live on their own and need help with their personal and healthcare tasks of everyday life, sometimes called Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). This includes Bathing, Dressing, Toileting (incontinence care), and Transferring (to or from bed or chair).

This type of community also makes it easier for residents to socialize with their peers. There are plenty of common areas where people can gather as well as structured activities like games, cultural events, dancing, outings, and more. More and more seniors are looking to move into these very modern and lavish communities for these reasons plus three gourmet prepared meals are provided every day. There are also several amenities offered such as a salon, pool, game room, spa room, you name it! These facilities also allow for potential residents and their loved ones to tour the facility before making a decision.

If you are interested in senior living in the Central Florida area, contact an experienced Senior Advisor today for a free non-obligatory consultation at 407-796-1582 or visit northstarsa.com.