Loneliness and isolation in elderly people can be as a result of maybe death of a loved one of illnesses that come with age. Loneliness can pose health risks to the elderly such as depression, risk of death, hypertension and dementia among other related conditions. Loneliness increases death rates by about 26% and dementia by about 64%. The reported cases of lonely seniors are rapidly rising and their lives are becoming more difficult when they experience loneliness. In this article, we will discuss the causes and effects of loneliness and ways to combat and protect elderly people from loneliness.
Possible Causes of Loneliness in Senior Adults
In most cases, the lack of relationship ties causes seniors to feel lonely. Their social life decreases as they age due to death of spouses, impaired mobility and retirement. The following are possible causes of loneliness in seniors:
- Loss of a spouse or a loved one
- Lack of recognition opportunities in contributing or engaging in the community
- Poor health status such as inability to hear well
- After retirement, they lose connections with friends
- Lack of financial ability thus fear to be a burden
- No family members nearby causing them to live alone
- Change of living environment
Most elderly people undergo at least one of the above stated causes but there are others who are affected more such as those with no financial ability and those who have just moved into the neighborhood.
Signs Of a Lonely Senior
Signs of loneliness in seniors vary but you can easily tell if you identify the root cause. The following are some of the most common signs:
- Disturbed sleep: Seniors will often complain of fragmented sleep or having a feeling of tiredness than usual. If they repeatedly report such, then you can conclude they are lonely.
- Loss of appetite: Loss of appetite could be a normal symptom with aging but it is advisable to pay attention to it if it is backed up by other signs.
- Isolating themselves: Being alone cannot conclude loneliness but if you notice their desire of wanting to stay alone for many hours, then it is a sign of loneliness. Loneliness can also be depicted if they prefer to stay home over attending important family events.
- Creating imaginary health issues: Seniors tend to create imaginary health problems so they can get more attention. In case you notice this, do not push them into telling the truth. You can make an effort of spending more time and understanding them.
- Changes in behaviors: You may notice that an elderly person has stopped interacting with other people then this depicts loneliness.
- Frequent phone calls: When lonely, seniors tend to increase the frequency of phone calls because they are trying to make new connections. Reduced phone calls may also be a sign of loneliness after adapting that their need for attention is not met and therefore do not find the need to look for social connections.
Major Effects of Loneliness in Elderly People.
The following are the possible effects of loneliness to seniors,
- High risk of depression: Feelings such as sadness and low self esteem can cause the start of mental health issues such as depression. Try to pay more attention to the negative feelings and assist them develop positive ones.
- High rate of deaths: Seniors aged 52 and above are at high risk of death because they do not like seeking medical attention thus worsening their conditions. At this age bracket, seniors do not see the need of asking for help.
- Increased in risk of dementia: Loneliness has been proven by scientists to be a likely cause of dementia. In seniors, there is a high risk that results into other life-threatening conditions and can cause death if not attended to fast.
- High risk of hypertension and long-term diseases: Loneliness affects a senior’s physical health and increases the risk of high blood pressure.
How To Combat Loneliness in Seniors
Elderly people are easily affected by loneliness but small acts of kindness can help the overcome this feeling. You can help them deal with loneliness in ways such as:
- Complimenting their body image and commenting positively once in a while
- Encourage them to share a meal with other people to allow room for social connection
- You can advise them to join a depression support group
- Encourage them to do easy exercises like stretch outs
- Encourage them to get enough sleep and bask in the sun for some time
- You can prepare healthy meals for them
- Seek professional advice
Conclusion
There are many risks and causes that come with loneliness but there are also ways to prevent this feeling. Checking on your seniors more often and showing concern will reduce the risk of loneliness. You can visit them or call them to know their health status and maybe crack a joke to lighten up their mood. In case you are busy and cannot find ample time to spend with them, then you can employ a caregiver to spend their days with them. You can also offer to teach them new things such as using social media or using a phone so they can get in touch with you at their own convenience. Take your time and learn what inspires and motivates them or what activity makes them happy and create time for them. If the signs are more than you can handle, it is best to look for help from an expert. We hope this article was helpful as you purpose to assist your seniors to fight loneliness.
FAQs
- What are the health outcomes of loneliness in elderly people?
Seniors are at risk of suffering from depression, chronic inflammation, disturbed sleep and dementia among others.
2. What are the usual causes of loneliness in senior adults?
Senior adults experience loneliness due to reasons such as low quality of no relationships. However, elders aged 80+ years who may be suffering from chronic illnesses, tend to feel lonely.
3. Does loneliness cause malnutrition in senior adults?
Malnutrition is caused by loss of appetite and low intake of food and balanced diet by people who have isolated themselves due to loneliness.
4. Is loneliness a state of mind?
Yes. Because stress comes with having a mindset that your needs are not met and your social relationships are not working out.