Loneliness in older adults can indicate poor health, cause distress, decrease quality of life, and cause increased mortality. (Older adults loneliness fact sheet, 2022) Older adults can become isolated, socially, for many different reasons; death of family/spouses, not working, getting more weak, or through disability/illness. (NHS, 2018)
Loneliness in older adults can cause depression and a significant decline in physical health and wellbeing. What are ways to help decrease loneliness in older adults?
– Encourage your loved one to talk on the phone to friends and family, as often as they can
– Encourage your loved one to join a group, either something they’ve always wanted to try or with a hobby they used to enjoy doing
– If your loved one does not utilize technology, teach them a simple tablet/computer device, so they can communicate via video calls, emails, or chatting
– Talk to the older adult in your life about planning ahead and writing events down in a diary/planner; to have a visual schedule of things to look forward to
– Volunteer
– Invite friends over for coffee or brunch
– Take one course online or in person, to learn something you’ve always wanted to try!
(NHS, 2018)
Loneliness in the older adult population can greatly affect their health and quality of life. Encourage the older adults in your life to maintain relationships through getting out of their home or inviting people over! Increasing their social interactions will impact their lives, in a good way!
Resources:
- Older adults loneliness fact sheet. The Foundation for Art & Healing. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.artandhealing.org/older-adults-loneliness-fact-sheet/?gclid=CjwKCAjwkYGVBhArEiwA4sZLuNJ3A5Z7YGBiwgVhTuxRovsOe6aJ1tdZCo1rNQhodbSHDztP5EfzQxoC3U4QAvD_BwE
- NHS. (2018, September 4). Loneliness in older people. NHS choices. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/loneliness-in-older-people/
