The CDC has referred to loneliness as an epidemic among seniors. As many as ¼ of all seniors are considered socially isolated. As seniors get older they lose spouses, friends, and family members. That leaves them lonely and isolated. Seniors who are aging in place have a very high risk of becoming socially isolated.
- Social isolation and loneliness isn’t just a mental health problem. According to studies there is a physical impact of loneliness to. According to the CDC:
- Social isolation significantly increased a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
- Social isolation was associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia.
- Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) was associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.
- Loneliness was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
- Loneliness among heart failure patients was associated with a nearly 4 times increased risk of death, 68% increased risk of hospitalization, and 57% increased risk of emergency department visits.
The good news is that seniors can take steps to make new friends and be more social. It may be tough for seniors to reach out and connect with people but with a little effort seniors can mitigate the risk of health problems caused by isolation and loneliness. Some things seniors can do to make new friends include:
Get Home Care Assistance
Home care assistance is fantastic for seniors who are aging in place. Home care assistance helps seniors with household tasks, shopping, and other chores. But homecare providers also provide companionship and social connection. Seniors that no longer drive enjoy regular visits from a friendly care provider. And seniors who have a hard time going places because they have limited mobility can get the social connection they need at home with home care assistance.
Join A Club
Clubs for seniors can meet in person or online. That means clubs can be accessible for all seniors, even those who can’t easily go to in-person meetings. Books clubs, movie clubs, coffee clubs, lunch and brunch clubs, and exercise clubs all are great for seniors. By connecting with other seniors that enjoy the same things they enjoy seniors can make new friends.
Take A Class
There are also a lot of classes seniors can take. Often there are continuing education classes for seniors offered in things like cooking or crafting. Seniors can participate in a fun activity and enjoy spending time with people a few times a week when they take a class. Check with the local continuing education center to see what classes for seniors are offered locally.
Volunteer
Volunteering is also a great way for seniors to meet people. Volunteering also gives seniors a sense of purpose and accomplishment. When seniors volunteer they feel good about themselves and they feel like a valued part of a community.
