Loneliness and Older Adults
Although feeling down in the dumps is a common feeling that people of any age may experience from time to time, about half of adults over the age of 60 are at risk for social isolation and about 30% could face loneliness later in life.
Loneliness in older adults can happen as a result of various factors including living alone, the loss of a spouse, lack of close family ties, retirement and even feeling apart from a culture of origin. Health challenges, psychological and social role changes all contribute to losing a sense of self. It is disappointing to many when they feel they aren’t able to participate in community activities as they once did.
Although loneliness feels like an emotionally-based situation, there is a physical component to it. When you’re lonely, you can feel the sensation that your body is being targeted and under attack. Your blood pressure can ramp up as well as your cholesterol. You may feel that sense of “fight or flight” that occurs when you are under serious stress. When this feeling of loss or sadness becomes a common occurrence, it can take more of a toll on your body. Chronic loneliness exponentially increases the risk for cardiovascular disease as your body is operating under a feeling of constant stress.
How do you know if an older loved one may be experiencing loneliness? Here are some behaviors that signify that a person is struggling:
- Grumpy, surly or antisocial demeanor
- Body language that looks defeated
- Demanding attention by dominating conversations, without empathy for others
- Lacking in confidence
- Obvious distrust of the motives and actions of others
- Staying busy all day with isolating activities like watching TV or reading
- Rejecting invitations to participate almost all of the time
How can you help an older loved one who may be feeling lonely? Here are some simple acts that can make a difference:
Give your time: If you’re at a distance, a simple weekly phone call or video chat can boost someone’s mood and spirit. Send cards frequently as a surprise at the mailbox is always lovely. If you’re nearby, setting up a weekly coffee date or inviting your loved one to dinner at your home can make them feel included and valued. Plus, they’ll have something to look forward to and be excited about.
Make an offer of help: Do you have a neighbor who seems lonely? Find a reason to stop by with some cookies, ask if they need help with errands or just pop by to make sure that they’re ok. Ask an older loved one who lives nearby if they need help with shopping or a ride to a doctor’s appointment. Help with any projects they are hoping to accomplish, from putting together a lamp or assisting in cleaning out a closet. Having extra support will make a loved one feel able to accomplish something they have been thinking of doing.
Loneliness is common but it doesn’t have to be. By being aware of the behaviors that lonely older adults may exhibit as well as the tools that can help them feel connected, you can make sure they are living their best lives.
CarePatrol is honored to partner with families to help older adults find the best senior care solutions. By matching clients to the right place for them, lives are changed each and every day. That’s why we do what we do. How can we help your family?