Social isolation is a rising concern worldwide, especially among seniors. With age, the elderly frequently experience social isolation, a condition that can take a heavy toll on their health and happiness. Elderly individuals are especially susceptible to social isolation and loneliness due to a lack of friends, family, mobility or income.
Social isolation among the elderly takes place when negligible interaction with other people keeps them from developing intimate or fulfilling relationships. There isn't just a single reason in particular; instead there are several reasons that cause social isolation. Factors that can contribute to social isolation include:
Studies reveal that intense loneliness and social isolation can have a severe effect on one's well-being and quality of life, with apparent negative health impacts. Some of the serious health consequences of social isolation for seniors include:
How can you help to tackle this situation and turnaround this negative trend? By taking steps to decrease social isolation among your elderly loved ones, you can enhance their quality of life, minimize risk of grave health conditions, and possibly even prolong their life. Here are the 7 steps you can take to promote social interaction among elderly people:
Offering a plant or pet to care for gives a feeling of nurturing and ownership that will be beneficial for uplifting a senior's spirits and providing them with a sense of routine purpose. There is also a certain link between elderly pet owners and a reduced need for medication.
A significant aspect of aging is that your body doesn't work as well. Help the elderly by providing relief through consultation with medical professionals for any health problems that are preventing an older loved one from going out of the house for socializing with others.
A bus pass can be helpful for your elderly loved one as long as your senior is self-reliant enough to take a bus ride alone. Employing senior care services can assist as well; a caregiver can provide rides to medical appointments and for shopping.
This is an essential weekly social event for older adults who were regular church-goers, but now need to be supported. Such a weekly outing not only promotes social interaction with their acquaintances, but also a feeling of purposeful existence and enjoyment in the gathering.
If a loved one's physical isolation seems concerning, suggest them relocating to a more supportive area where they can experience a sense of community. Your loved one can receive ongoing opportunities to interact with neighbors and have easy access to medics and discounted service providers.
Getting a new hearing aid or the right glasses after a proper medical checkup will allow the elderly to feel more at ease in social settings and allow them to communicate more clearly with friends and family.
Health linked products for seniors, like a video intercom service, can assist and engage your seniors by bringing families together. A hearing-impaired phone that creates captions for whatever is spoken by the caller has been to decrease social isolation and loneliness in the elderly.
You must make a conscious effort to get closer to your elders and show your affection. Here is some helpful advice that you can follow to show your love to your elders:
You may be following the practice of calling your parents every month or less. However, ensure to call them frequently as they may be independent, but may need more regular contact.
This is more significant than a call because you can observe what is going on. Also, it is in the best interest of the elderly to see you, get hugged by you, and experience the comfort of your physical presence. If you can't have regular physical meetings with your senior loved ones due to distance or time constraints, consider using video calling platforms like Skype(TM).
You can be of immense help to a loved one who may be experiencing social isolation at home by following these two tips:
Electronic devices, like computers with a camera, are like bridges that can bring you virtually closer to your aging parents who may be staying miles apart from you. It can also present a world of helpful information and entertainment to your elders. After you teach them how to use the latest technologies, you will see that the effort was so worth it!
Consider taking your elders to nearby concerts, plays, movies, community festivals, or other social activities that they can enjoy in your company. This can be an excellent opportunity for them to open up and do things they could not do alone. You can choose events according to your parents' likings, do your online research, and make arrangements for tickets and transportation.
Show Love and Help Your Elders Overcome Social Isolation!
