The Dangers of Senior Loneliness – and How to Help

With over 328 million people residing in the U.S. alone, it is hard to believe that senior loneliness would be so prevalent. And yet of the number of older adults living alone, more than 60% of them report being chronically lonely. 

Senior loneliness may bring about acute health concerns as well, reported to have as significant an impact as smoking cigarettes and being overweight, and can produce depression, high blood pressure, dementia, and an earlier mortality rate compared to those who happen to be socially connected.

What are ways to make sure seniors steer clear of sinking into isolation? The Campaign to End Loneliness advises using the following measurement method. Check in with the seniors in your life to assess their answers to these three statements:

1. I am pleased with my friendships and relationships.

2. I have enough people I feel comfortable asking for help at any time.

3. My relationships are as satisfying as I would like them to be.

If loneliness is an issue for a senior in your life, there are a number of steps you can take to help:

• Consult with the senior’s next-door neighbors, friends, and people in his or her religious organization to arrange frequent visits.
• Make use of technology, such as Facetime and Skype, to allow the senior to stay connected remotely.
• Investigate available activities and courses for older adults at the nearby community college, senior center, and gym.

It is also essential to rule out clinical depression or additional health issues as the underlying cause of your loved one’s loneliness. A senior who might be self-isolating as a result of psychological or physical conditions requires experienced health care services to manage the difficulty and receive relevant treatment.

One of the better strategies to reduce senior loneliness is through engaging the services of Hired Hands Homecare. Our caregiving companions spend quality time with seniors through:

• Friendly discussions
• Engaging in enjoyable activities such as playing games, cards, exercise, hobbies, and favorite pursuits
• Sharing mealtimes with each other
• Supplying the transportation and accompaniment necessary to help seniors remain involved in the world around them
• And so much more

Call us at (866) 940-4343 or reach out online for help in making certain the seniors in your life are socially active and experiencing life to the fullest! As the top provider of senior home care in Santa Rosa, CA and the nearby areas, we’re available to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation at any time.