Loneliness and Social Isolation in Seniors
Though it may be difficult to talk about, loneliness and social isolation is a very serious problem for many senior citizens across the country. Especially since the introduction of the pandemic, many find themselves in positions where they are isolated from not only friends, but family members in order to prioritize their health. As a result, many seniors have suffered without access to a regular sense of community that is dire to their health.
The effects of socialization are often greatly underestimated in public discourse. Not only does socialization prevent the development of significant ailments, but it can also help alleviate the serious side effects of certain ailments like dementia. Social isolation for instance can significantly increase the risk of suffering from a stroke, struggling with heart disease, or developing dementia. This is because social connections and forging strong relationships is key to keeping our bodies functioning properly, almost like emotional exercise. For instance, seniors that suffer from dementia actually benefit when engaging in conversation with others as it helps reinforce vital processes like memory, facial recognition, and emotional grounding. This is just one instance of how socialization can improve the life of many seniors. Obviously this is an amazing discovery, as simple socialization can be employed to heal a variety of mental, emotional and physical issues associated with aging. However, we recognize that properly socializing during the pandemic can be difficult. If you find your loved one struggling to properly socialize or feel you aren’t able to provide them with proper attention, there are a number of solutions available to you. Adult Day Centers like the Silver Fox are a great place where seniors are free to socialize with others their age, but a number of other options are available. Contact your doctor for more information if you are interested in how your aging loved one can benefit from socialization.
Sources & Further Reading:
“Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 Apr. 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html.
