SENIOR LIVING
MICHELLE RAINER Director of Marketing & Sales The Delaney at South Shore
HEALTHY CONNECTIONS :
SENIOR ISOLATION and How to Combat It
Deeply rooted in all human beings is a need for community . But did you know that lack of connection and social interaction is a health concern ? According to research by AARP ’ s Connect2Affect initiative , 26 % of adults over age 65 are at an increased risk of early death due to feelings of loneliness . One of the best steps to take to maintain seniors ’ health is to foster existing social connections and develop new ones . But it ’ s not always simple .
Many factors contribute to social isolation among seniors . Older adults can experience a decrease in close social contacts as friends and family members move away or pass on . And opportunities to make new friends or reconnect with old acquaintances become more challenging as seniors ’ mobility becomes increasingly impeded . They may face limitations in walking , driving or access to public transportation . And when a person ’ s need for connection goes unfulfilled , their body will find ways to let them know it ’ s in distress , potentially exacerbating preexisting health conditions . Senior Isolation : An Increasing Concern As baby boomers age into retirement , the number of seniors experiencing potentially harmful loneliness is expected to increase , driven by the fact that a higher percentage of baby boomers did not have children or live farther away from their kids compared to generations before them . Adult children frequently serve as primary or secondary caregivers as well as cornerstones of social connection . Without that support , more seniors find themselves isolated .
Social isolation in older adults can worsen preexisting conditions like heart disease , depression , anxiety , Alzheimer ’ s disease , high blood pressure , obesity and cognitive decline — and can even contribute to early death . Solutions : Helpful Social Activities for Seniors Isolation is a serious issue , and though today ’ s seniors may not have access to some of the same family support their predecessors had , there are several innovative modern solutions to lessen social isolation among seniors .
Volunteering : Donating time and talents to a worthy organization is one of the best ways to combat isolation in older adults . Connecting with like-minded peers and contributing to a cause can provide a senior with social opportunities and also a deeper sense of purpose . Take into consideration one ’ s interests and abilities to find a truly enjoyable volunteer opportunity .
Education : Cognitive decline can sometimes be a symptom of social isolation in older adults . Learning a new skill or diving back into an old one can help seniors make new connections and help keep them mentally sharp as they age .
Physical activity : Exercise can greatly ease symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as enhance physical health . Group exercise classes provide even more benefits by adding a social component . You can find classes to fit any ability , like chair yoga , water aerobics , and chair-based Tai Chi .
Senior living : Senior living communities are wonderful facilitators of social activities for seniors . All the solutions listed above are typically included as part of their regular schedule of events . Plus moving to a community can provide an influx of new and interesting people into one ’ s regular social circle .
26 MOMENTUM