How Social Isolation Impacts Seniors

Loneliness and social isolation are factors playing a major role in the declining health of seniors and are usually caused by the loss of a spouse or friend, lack of involvement in social events and activities, and lack of attention from loved ones.

Most seniors choose to remain in their homes in their golden years – perhaps due to unsafe health conditions – causing decreased social contact. Families and friends are advised to keep checking in on their elderly loved ones regularly to ensure they may live alone but not feel lonely because social isolation can lead to specific health conditions, which can be chronic or may have a severe impact on their cognitive health. Here are some facts about the impacts of social isolation on seniors, which a team of  Frederick Home Care experts considers inevitable.

1. Social Isolation Associates With Long-term Illnesses

Research shows that health conditions and illnesses common among seniors, such as arthritis, chronic lung disease, impaired mobility, and anxiety, are interrelated to social isolation. Home bound seniors need special care; phone calls and visiting them are significant factors in preventing isolation. To do so, proper care and encouragement by family and friends are essential and may lead to overall well-being and prevent senior isolation.

2. Loneliness Increases Depression

Many studies over the past decade show that sense of loneliness and social isolation contributes to the higher intensity of depression in seniors. The most crucial step toward preventing such feelings is that families must attempt to recognize such feelings of isolation, loneliness, and anxiety and look for treatment options. Engaging in social events and activities is considered to be very effective for alleviating social isolation in seniors.

3. Contributes To High Blood Pressure

A study of Psychology and Aging in 2010 pointed to a direct connection between isolation and seniors that increases systolic blood pressure. These increases are found regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, and other possible associated grounds. Initial prevention of social isolation is crucial to alleviate possible risks associated with isolation and other health conditions.

4. Increases Pessimism About The Future

The elderly who are socially isolated tend to assume that their quality of life will decline over time and lose hope of getting better. They often consider getting help from assisted living facilities or Home Care Fredricks service providers as they age and more often convey their determination to age in place. It also encourages seniors to socialize to find enjoyment and purpose to lead a happier lifestyle.

5. Socially Isolated Seniors Need Long-Term Care

When seniors have fewer people or no one around to take care of them and experience declining health as they age, they frequently consider assisted living facilities or even prefer Home Care Fredricks to provide companionship and offer caregiving services so that they can age in place without worrying about transportation issues, meal preparation, medication reminders, and medical follow-up visits. This allows them to age in place without worrying about these things.

6. Increased Risk of Mortality

According to several studies, there is a correlation between senior citizens living alone and an increased risk of mortality. According to research presented at the annual meeting of the National Academy of Sciences and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, senior citizens who live alone have a 26% higher chance of passing away. This risk is comparable to the risk associated with being overweight or smoking.

7. Problems Relating to Financial affairs

It's possible that elderly people living alone have a higher risk of financial difficulties. It may be more difficult for them to secure requirements such as dependable transportation, proper medical treatment, and adequate financial support. Being socially isolated can be a barrier to job and other social services for senior citizens, which can potentially enhance their financial situation.

Senior social isolation can cause even more difficulties and, at times, may result in severe health conditions. Still, families and loved ones of seniors must look after and care for them, check in on them regularly, and assist with anything they face challenges doing. Isolation can be averted by proper care and encouragement to socialize. Suppose they are unable to go outside and travel by themselves. In that case, their families must help them and take them shopping or to senior social clubs for fitness, singing, dancing, arts and crafts, or even musical concerts and anywhere they like to prefer to go and have fun in their golden years.