Older adults live alone for various reasons, ranging from divorces to grown children moving away. However, seniors living alone are at an increased risk of isolation and loneliness. Studies show that social isolation and loneliness have devastating effects on seniors’ health and well-being:
- 7.7 million seniors in the United States, or 24% of adults age 65 and older, are socially isolated
- Nearly 43% of Americans age 60 and older report feelings of loneliness
- The most prominent risk factors for seniors who are socially isolating and experiencing loneliness include divorce, death of a spouse, restricted financial resources, limited mobility, and living alone
Senior Isolation and Loneliness
Social isolation occurs when an individual lacks human connection or regular interaction with others. Loneliness is the painful and discouraging feeling of being alone. Feelings of loneliness are a typical emotional response to social isolation, and many seniors living alone experience adverse effects.
The Effects of Social Isolation in Seniors
Isolation and loneliness can significantly impact older adults’ physical, mental, and emotional health. Socially isolated seniors are at greater risk of the following:
- Cognitive decline
- Depression
- Chronic illness
- Mortality
Cognitive Decline
One of the best ways seniors can prevent cognitive decline is by interacting with others. In-depth conversations with friends and family challenge the brain to perform various cognitive functions, such as:
- Interpreting language
- Focusing on the conversation
- Forming spoken words and sentences
- Thinking of new ideas
- Remembering past experiences
- And more.
Without regular cognitive stimulation and exercise, socially isolated seniors are at a greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other memory problems.
Depression
Humans are social creatures. We all crave interaction and connection, whether introverted or extroverted. When seniors don’t meet this innate need, loneliness arises, and depression closely follows.
Depression is serious at any age, but for seniors, it can worsen their social isolation. Depressed older adults experience dread and a lack of motivation, making it challenging to socialize and form connections. Before long, seniors trap themselves in a cycle of withdrawal, loneliness, and severe depression.
Illness
A lack of motivation results in lowered physical activity. Nonexistent exercise and lowered immune system function lead to various physical illnesses and conditions in older adults, such as:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
Further, long-term loneliness and social isolation in seniors lead to feelings of mistrust, causing the body to engage its biological defense mechanisms. As a result, inflammation increases, leading to a heightened risk of chronic illness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seniors experiencing social isolation have a 29% increased risk of developing heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.
Increased Mortality
The effect of social isolation on the body’s physical and cognitive functions also increases seniors’ mortality rate. Those at an elevated risk of chronic conditions like heart disease or Alzheimer’s likely have a shorter lifespan.
Additionally, socially isolated individuals don’t typically receive medical care as quickly as those surrounded by others due to reasons such as:
- Limited transportation options
- Dismissing serious symptoms
- Lack of prompting by friends or family to seek care
- Lowered motivation
How Assisted Living Communities Reduce Isolation in Older Adults
Older adults living alone lack social opportunities and settle for a solitary lifestyle. However, assisted living residents can choose their levels of involvement, knowing that socialization is always available. The vast selection of programs and activities allows seniors to hand-pick when and how they want to interact with others.
A thriving community environment offers several benefits to socially isolated individuals:
- Companionship
- Enriching programs and activities
- Nutritious meals
- Compassionate 24/7 staff
Companionship
Since humans crave connection, life becomes more enjoyable when we share interests with like-minded individuals. Assisted living communities, such as Sundale Senior Living in Huntsville, TX, offer organized programs and shared spaces for residents to bond with others. Apartment-style living allows residents to socialize with fellow seniors anytime.
Enriching Programs
Communities offer enriching programs designed to stimulate cognitive and physical functions. For instance, Sundale provides various options for all interests, ranging from spa days to group outings. In addition, residents enjoy fitness clubs that promote an active lifestyle with others who can hold them accountable.
Nutritious Chef-Inspired Meals
Seniors living alone often reject their nutritional needs. The lack of motivation resulting from depression can keep older adults from preparing meals or enjoying food. However, assisted living communities resolve both issues with nutritious, chef-inspired meals. Residents also bond with one another during group meal times, promoting social interaction and creating a positive association with food once again.
Compassionate Staff
Communities like Sundale offer 24/7 staff availability. Independent seniors and their families can rest assured that help is always there if they need it. Through a needs assessment, staff members cater services and assistance according to each individual’s abilities. They also join all programs and form lasting bonds with residents.
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