People are social creatures by habit, but need for social interaction increases tenfold as we grow older. More often than not, older adults have to face isolation in one form or the other, which isn’t by choice but due to certain circumstances in life. The common reasons for this isolation are; when a spouse or friend dies, the family moves into another area, or after retiring from their profession.
Nearly 11 million of older adults aged 65 and above lived alone in the year 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It seems that the likelihood of living alone only increases as people get older. In addition, since most adults have no or few children living with them or in the same area, there are very few people to provide them interaction and care as they age safely at home.
It has been found by mental health researchers that older adult isolation and a distinct lack of social connections may quite possibly lead to depression, which in turn affects both their physical as well as mental health. Moreover, isolation in older adults can lead to a significant rise in blood sugar levels as well as increasing the risk of dementia which undiagnosed could warrant a lengthy stay in the hospital or a skilled nursing home .
To help older adults avoid isolation when they need social companionship the most, review some simple yet effective tips below. These are easy to implement so that you can help them in your life as they deal with this issue.
Plan Regular Visits
If your loved ones live at a home for older adults, regular visits will give them something to look forward to. Whether it’s just as simple as spending a few hours together or as elaborate as a regularly scheduled dinner or outing, this will allow you to stay connected.
Living in another state or far away doesn’t mean that you can’t still stay connected; video chats, phone calls, and emails are a good way to stay connected.
Reach Out To Their Neighbors
You can enlist the help of their neighbors, particularly if they still live independently. The reason for this is that you might not be able to visit some days and knowing that there is someone who will lookout for your loved ones is a big relief.
Ask the neighbors to check in every few days, especially if they think something is amiss.
Adopt a Furry Pet
A very good way for older adults is to adopt a pet, such as a cat or bird, which they can take care of well. Keeping pets is known to significantly help in lifting feelings of depression and improve the mood, but first, they must find out for certain that they are not allergic to the pet of their choice.
Encourage Some Exercise
Exercise is known to boost mood elevating hormones, as well as improve physical and mental health. There are some exercises that can be done indoors including chair yoga, if the environment is not suitable for walking outside.
Hire A Non-medical Agency
If the neighbors are not able to assist, the next best option is to hire an agency to provide your loved ones with friendly companionship. Many of these agencies such as Visiting Angels would be able to make the introductions prior to starting the care. Should their needs change as they age at home, the support provided by the agency will mirror the need in order to provide you peace of mind.
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