A highly increasing number of people around the world are growing older and living longer. 8.5 percent of the world’s population belonged to age 65 and above in 2015. The number is expected to grow to 17 percent by 2050 as per the report of ‘An Aging World: 2015’.
Better medical care, technological advancements, and economic development are some of the reasons why life expectancy is growing globally. However, as more and more people live longer, chronic diseases, particularly the conditions associated with old age, become more common.
These conditions give rise to physical and mental disability thereby affecting the quality of life of the elderly. As seniors age, they start living isolated lives. Families may not be able to spend time with them and they start isolating themselves from the outside world due to some reasons.
Social isolation among older individuals can impact their health to a great extent. A study carried out by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that seniors who live isolated have a 26 percent higher risk of death than those who remain social.
Elderly individuals who are socially isolated may not have anybody to offer them care and they fall ill without even realizing that they need some help. They lead a poorer quality of life in an isolated condition. Such isolated adults are likely to do things that cause harm to their health like not eating on time or taking medicines.
Loneliness among elderly people can lead to serious consequences including:
- Eating disorders
- Loss of independence
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Increased stress and anxiety
- Higher risk of chronic diseases
Signs of social Isolation
Signs of social isolation among seniors include refusing to go out or making excuses about not being willing to attend events involving friends and family. They might feel more comfortable and easier staying at home than going out. Problems like not being able to drive or walk properly, hearing problems, and fear of falling can contribute to giving rise to social isolation among senior adults.
Causes of Social Isolation
Regardless of the causes and reasons for isolation, elderly individuals who feel isolated and lonely are not just prone to risks of premature death but also report having poor physical and mental health, according to a study by the Aging Project. Older adults who are lonely have increased risks of dying sooner and are more likely to undergo a decline in mobility when compared to those who socialize.
Several illnesses and chronic conditions like arthritis, lung disease, high blood pressure, and depression are related to social isolation in elders.
According to the blog ‘U.S. Senior Living’, feelings of loneliness are associated with poor cognitive functions, quicker cognitive decline, and higher risks of dementia. A large number of studies show that loneliness is a major risk factor for depression and symptoms are more serious among older adults as they are more concerned about getting assistance from the community as they age.
Loneliness and social isolation are major indicators of seniors needing care and admission to nursing homes. Socially isolated people also report risky behaviors like lack of physical activity, smoking, and an unhealthy diet.
Helping our senior loved ones overcome loneliness and social isolation is a vital step in improving their health and well-being. A senior individual who is socially active and connected with friends and family would live happier and have more longevity.
Here are some ways in which you can avoid social isolation in elderly adults:
1. Provide Transportation.
Difficulty in driving can make it difficult getting around though this does not mean the elderly should get isolated. You can set up appropriate means of transportation for the elderly seniors to ensure they can interact with people and stay away from loneliness. Family members should consider offering transportation services to elderly people so that they don’t miss out on events and gatherings.
2. Help Find a Purpose
You should help the seniors find the purpose of life to eliminate their feelings of isolation. Make sure they remain active and have something to anticipate daily. Involve them in group activities or hobbies so that they feel they have a goal to achieve every day.
3. Aid Vision and Hearing Senses
If the senior loved one finds it difficult to socialize because of vision or hearing problems, make some effort to improve their senses. A glass prescription or hearing aid can help. You can arrange a visit to the doctor to get a screening. Improved hearing capability or eyesight can help them feel comfortable in social and public settings and enable them to communicate well with family and friends.
4. Encourage Activities
Help the seniors join different activities like arts, crafts, bingo, dancing, senior clubs, etc. Seniors clubs and groups often arrange outings and activities that help them feel better and excited about life. Technological devices like MedicSignal help seniors move about freely and independently as they can access help whenever needed.
5. Provide Assistance Getting Around
The elderly loved one might be finding it difficult to get around and this may contribute to social isolation. They may find it difficult walking and offering accessibility and a way to get around easily can help them stay active and visit their friends and family.
6. Talk to them
Visit the person as frequently as possible and call the person regularly while encouraging him/her to call you too. Ensure there is an easy way for the person to reach you. Talk about topics that interest him/her like health, hobbies, day-to-day life, and problems. You can also talk about the topics of your interest and take some advice to make the person feel respected.
7. Share a Meal
Eating alone can be a highly isolating event for the person who used to share meals with a family in the past. Invite the person for lunch or dinner with the family, encourage the seniors to eat meals with family or friends, and be involved in senior group meals. Scheduling mealtime outings for your elderly loved ones is a great way to talk and enjoy some good time.
Final words
Avoiding loneliness in seniors means preventing cognitive decline, depression, and emotional and psychological distress. Efforts made to combat social isolation in seniors can promote their well-being and physical health, improving their longevity and helping them lead longer healthier lives.
