Social bonds have kept us alive for over a millennium and have served as a surprising link between our wellbeing and survival.
We humans are fundamentally social animals. We have survived as hunter-gatherers for several millennia, in the harshest environments, entirely depending on strong bonds with a closely knit social group, for our lives. Therefore, high-quality social connections are always important for our mental and physical health.
In today’s day and age, social isolation and loneliness have become commonplace, with most countries reporting 1 in every 3 older people feeling lonely. Extensive research highlights how social isolation and loneliness are seen to seriously impact the life expectancy of older people, along with their physical and mental health, and quality of life. The effect of social isolation has been compared to serious risk factors like smoking, obesity, and inactivity, that can severely impact mortality rates of individuals.
With an increase in their age, senior citizens tend to struggle with feelings of isolation due to retirement, loss of one’s loved ones, and decreasing social interactions. The prevalence of loneliness among the older population is increasing, with a simultaneous increase in the number of families opting for a nuclear family setting.
Our seniors comprise of most of our population, contributing to a significant ratio. This is why it is important to ensure their mental health and emotional wellbeing. We must learn to identify the early signs of loneliness in their health before the condition gets much worse, through smart strategies.
Senior citizens develop an increasing risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes, cognitive decline, depression, dementia, suicide, and anxiety. Social isolation and loneliness also result in short lives and significantly reduces the quality of life. Additionally, sudden lifestyle changes and disruptive life events like retirement, loss of a partner or friends, migration of children, or disabilities, are more likely to negatively affect older people, putting them at risk.
When compared to men, older women are at a larger risk of experiencing loneliness and social isolation, as sudden life changes including widowhood and relocation, are associated with greater vulnerability to loneliness and isolation.
Cardiovascular diseases
Stroke
Diabetes
Depression
Anxiety
Dementia
High cholesterol
Low physical activity
Poor diet
Smoking & alcohol
Short-term
Long-term
Mood swings
Changes in mood such as anger or frustration
Older adults often feel unheard and misunderstood
They feel embarrassed about loneliness
Irregular sleep patterns
Includes insomnia, shortened sleep time, and infrequent sleep
Older people may spend more time in bed, whether asleep or awake
Changes in appetite
Shifts in a person’s relationship with their diet
Eating less might be a sign of depression
Eating more could hint at a feeling of emptiness
More time spent at home alone
Spending more time at home without the company of friends and family might be a cause of loneliness
This might be caused due to health problems, mobility issues, or loss of driving ability
Extreme dependency on internet
When the internet becomes the only way of contact with others, it becomes a sign of loneliness
Research indicates spending more time on the internet might indicate emotional loneliness
Spikes in shopping habit
Increase in spending, especially on items that are not so necessary, can be a sign of loneliness, as a means to fill the void
Increase in substance misuse
According to the National Institute on Drug abuse, most older adults have a substance abuse disorder
About 65% of people report high-risk of alcohol consumption
Engaging with communities:
Participating in community activities like local clubs, senior centers, or religious groups can help foster a sense of community and belonging and provides social interaction. This ultimately reduces feelings of loneliness.
Interaction with family and friends:
They must engage in regular communication with friends and family, either through phone calls, video chats, or in-person visits wherever possible. Close relationships with one’s loved ones can help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Building age-friendly spaces:
Creating age-friendly spaces in the community, like parks with benches, accessible walking paths, and social gathering areas can provide opportunities for senior citizens to engage with others and feel more connected to their surroundings.
Supporting them with a caregiver:
The support of a caregiver for a family member, professional caregiver, or volunteer means having someone to assist with daily tasks and provide constant companionship. This significantly reduces feelings of loneliness and improves the overall well-being of individuals.
Let’s Empower our Seniors!
As responsible individuals of society, it is part of our collective responsibility to ensure that our ageing population live a better quality of life. The first step towards this effort is to break the stigma associated with loneliness and growing old. As a family, we must openly discuss the issue of social isolation among senior citizens and come up with ways to overcome chronic loneliness.
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