Isolation And Loneliness In Seniors Pose Health Risks

  • September 20, 2019 BY  Anthem Seniors
  • Anthem Senior Sanctuary
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Humans are social creatures, and loneliness can be as large of a health risk as smoking, obesity, or alcoholism especially for seniors. It is even easier these days to stay in touch with one another in the face of the technological advancements. We may be more connected, studies say otherwise- we are lonelier than ever. Senior isolation and loneliness aren’t issues that should be ignored or taken lightly, it is a serious problem that worsens with age, and can have major negative consequences. Not only physical health of seniors, isolation and loneliness can have severe effects on mental health as well.

Anthem Senior Living is an award-winning North Phoenix assisted living facility in AZ, and we can help your loved one feel as loved and appreciated as they truly are. We provide the chance to our residents to socialize through our engaging social calendar filled with activities and planned outings.

Difference Between Loneliness And Isolation:

Loneliness and isolation aren’t the same. The former is the subjective perception of having inadequate social relationships whereas isolation is defined as a state that arises from having too few or no social relationships.

  1. Individuals are considered to be isolated if they live alone (is a recluse), never visit anyone, have no close relatives, never go out of the house, have no contact with neighbors with the nearest neighbor being more than 50 yards away, and are alone for more than 9 hours a day.
  2. Individuals, on the other hand are considered to be lonely if they wish for more friends, have no confidence, do not meet enough people, have no real friends living in close proximity, do not see enough of friends and relatives, etc.

The two are linked but distinct. It’s possible for older adults to be isolated and not feel lonely and vice-versa. The isolation and loneliness faced by older adults is usually a result of poor social relationships or a lack of these relationships for that matter.

Risks Of Loneliness And Isolation:

The effects of isolation and loneliness are harmful in more ways than one, and go beyond feelings of just sadness and can lead to real threat to physical health:

  1. According to a study, feelings of loneliness and social isolation can increase the risks of death by 26 percent and increase a person’s mortality rate by 29 percent, respectively.
  2. Acceleration in cognitive decline and poor cognitive ability.
  3. High blood pressure.
  4. Isolation increases risk of an older adult being the victim of elder abuse.
  5. One of the major risk factors of depression is loneliness.
  6. Social isolation has been linked to putting older adults at risk for improper medication management.
  7. Poor diet choices, smoking and lack of exercise.

Tips to overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation:

  1. Staying active, such as swimming, fitness classes, etc. will help you find an exercise buddy, and having attainable fitness objectives can give elderly people a sense of purpose and accountability.
  2. Volunteer for a cause that is meaningful to you and your loved one, which will let your senior loved ones know they are needed.

A move to an assisted living facility can prove to be highly beneficial if you suspect your loved one is socially isolated, living alone and feeling chronic loneliness as the facilities offer activity schedules, fitness classes, and other services that help seniors develop a true sense of community.

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