Loneliness with Seniors – A Serious Risk To Their Health

A huge percentage of seniors instinctively develop a mindset they should spend the rest of their lives in their homes after retirement. Yet, the small percentage of those who don’t share this attitude of mind somehow still ends up at the same place due to the death of a spouse, losing friends, separating from their children, or loss of mobility.
About 28% of senior Americans live alone. Out of these 13.8 million people, a couple of millions (about the half) of them are socially isolated and lonely, which inevitably leads to developing serious health issues such as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, immune system weakening, as well as mental conditions – depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline. Yet, on the other hand, we shouldn’t neglect the fact the rest of the seniors live alone but are not necessarily lonely.
A study conducted by Dr. Cacioppo proved exactly what we are talking about here – being alone doesn’t equal to loneliness, even though we can find a connection with people who are living alone and are lonely.
No one is doomed to be alone for the rest of their lives. The elderly can keep the right to stay at home and still maintain the connection with the outer world.
For example, they can invite their children, grandchildren, cousins, neighbors, and friends over. Renting a room can be a great way to prevent social isolation as well. Seniors who live alone would appreciate having a word or two with anyone. Many homeless or young people just starting their jobs would love to get a chance in life and certainly, would give their best to show gratitude through having a chat, doing laundry, or cooking. This is a win-win situation for both sides.
Seniors with a lack of mobility can still engage in social activities and maintain a sense of purpose. Being involved in productive activities (knitting, cooking, writing, etc) means the world to the elderly as well as talking to other people and sharing their thoughts and worries. The acceptance of the fact one lives alone and spends most of the day without having a chat with anyone can truly make that person feel miserable and to suffer.
Losing a sense of belonging to a community triggers defense mechanisms negatively and cause inflammation of cells in the immune system. If the inflammation takes time, there is no doubt it will lead to developing a chronic disease.
This is an early warning to the rest of us, as humans are social creatures and each one of us has the need to be in social interaction with other people, even the elderly. Next time you feel bored, go visit your grandparent or a neighbor you know is living alone. It will make you feel great to know you did something to help them live longer and have a more fulfilled life.