Isolation is an issue that affects mainly adults 50 and older. About 1 in 5 older adults are at risk of experiencing isolation. After a while, being alone can take a toll on a person. Social interaction and personal connection are precious things that most people crave.
Effects of Isolation
The holidays are a great time for those experiencing isolation to have contact with loved ones. But now that the holidays are over, some adults may feel that contact is lacking. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the fastest-growing type of household is people living alone. This also poses health hazards. Older isolated adults have much higher mortality rates. Studies show people living alone have higher rates of breast cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. Depression is also a great concern for those living alone. One of the more obvious effects of living alone is the social detachment. Especially if these adults are retired, social detachment can be harmful. Other factors contributing to social detachment include losing your driver’s license, losing a spouse, or other life-changing events.
Fighting Isolation
You can fight isolation in several ways. If you know someone experiencing this, something as simple as a phone call can help. Check on them and make sure they are doing alright. If you are able, visit them. Go to their home and spend time with them. You can also take them out for a meal. Sometimes, just getting out of the house can change your entire day. Keep them in mind when doing small things, like running to the grocery store or mall. If you are the one experiencing isolation, reach out to friends and family. Make this a habit, not just something you think to do around the holiday season.
Reducing Isolation through Technology
Technology is a great way to connect with others. Seniors can use applications like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat to interact with loved ones. Although many older adults are unfamiliar with technology, these options remain valid. It also introduces the opportunity for a family member or friend to spend time teaching them. There are also free TEK workshops provided by AARP across the country. Public libraries administer programs as well. Workshops and programs in the community are a great way to get out while learning new skills that will help you fight isolation.
Adopt a Pet
Did you know that caring for a pet can make your life better? It can improve mental and physical health. Pet ownership can also help people not feel overwhelmed by loneliness. Recently, scientists at the University of Rochester examined 830 primary care patients over 60 years old. They discovered that senior citizens with pets were 36% less likely to report loneliness compared to seniors who did not own a pet. The researchers determined that pet owners had a decreased feeling of isolation and that leads to a healthier and happier patient.
Some doctors believe that loneliness can ignite an inflammatory stress response, which might lead to heart troubles and depression. Medical professionals cite that seniors with the responsibility of walking a pet can boost heart health and reduce the chances of death via stroke and heart attacks. In 2020, scientists studied the medical data of over 42,038 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants from 1999 to 2016. Of those subjects, 10,905 were asked if they owned a pet. After factoring in confounding variables, the researchers unearthed that pet ownership could significantly reduce the prevalence of systemic hypertension.
Loneliness is not something you want to embrace. You can find friendship at senior centers, reconnect with family members, and adopt a pet to combat isolation. If you are interested in adopting a pet, contact your local animal shelter to find an animal that you can share your life with.
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This article was updated on 9/23/24.
I am so glad I am associated with such a wonderful firm. God Bless, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
We value our relationship with you too Sandra. Christmas was a wonderful celebration and we will be working hard to make 2018 even better than 2017. 🙂