Certain things come with aging but loneliness shouldn’t be one of them. No matter how much social contact there is, loneliness is the sensation of being alone while lack of social relationships is known as social isolation. Some people can get lonely as a result of social isolation, whereas others can become lonely even when they are not socially isolated. Loneliness and social isolation can cause serious health issues for seniors, increasing their risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions.
According to the National Academies of Sciences, one-third of adults aged 45 and older experience being lonely while one-fourth of adults 65 and older experience social isolation. Loneliness can be disregarded as low energy but if you look more closely, it can be spotted easily.
How Do I Spot Symptoms of Loneliness
Neglecting Hygiene
Low Energy
Losing Interest in Hobbies
Poor Sleep Quality
Memory Issues
Lack of Motivation
How Do I Combat Loneliness
Whether you’re trying to lessen a senior loved one’s loneliness or lessen your feelings of loneliness as a senior, knowing how to combat loneliness is greatly beneficial for mental health and can aid you in detecting health issues that might be causing these negative emotions.
Talk to Someone or Listen When Talked To
Opening up to someone can lessen the weight off your shoulders. It can make you feel less alone especially when the person you’re talking to is actively engaging in the conversation. On the other hand, talking to someone and encouraging them to open up can make them feel less alone. It might be difficult at first but if you’re willing to do it, it’ll eventually come easily.
Technology is Your Friend
If your friends or loved ones are far away, technology can easily connect you. You can attend classes in community centers or libraries that teach people basic computer skills, this will aid you in learning and connect you with new people as well.\
You can use emails to send messages, videos, or photos easily using a computer. Video call services such as FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype can easily connect you with your loved ones. You can also reconnect with your old friends and meet new ones using social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. If computers aren’t for you, smartphones can assist you as well. Smartphones are portable, light, and have assistive features that can cater to your needs such as being able to change text size, voice assistance, etc.
Write in Your Diary
Start filling up your diary (or start one if you haven’t already) with plans that you have for the week. This can make you feel less lonely because it gives you activities to look forward to every day such as taking a stroll around the neighborhood, visiting the park, going to your local coffee shop, spending some time in the library, watching a movie, and so much more.
Spend Time Outside
There are lots of activities that can be done in Broward County for seniors such as going to restaurants near Lauderdale By-The-Sea. They have well-priced menus and entertainment such as jazz music and street dancing. You can also visit Yellow Green Farmer’s Market in Hollywood where they offer freshly made food.
If going out to eat isn’t your thing, there are also cultural activities for you to experience. In Fort Lauderdale, there is a museum called Bonnet House Museum and Gardens—a must-visit estate. The Stranahan House is also a great place to visit and explore history. Built in 1901, the founding father of Fort Lauderdale Frank Strahanan’s house-turned-museum shows the birth of the Fort Lauderdale community.
Check Out Your Local Senior Center Programs
Senior programs have activities specifically tailored for seniors such as arts and singing. Some senior communities have experts and volunteers that facilitate unique activities for you to enjoy.
Enjoy Your Time Without the Loneliness
Being a senior comes with independence but it doesn’t have to be spent with loneliness. Due to age-related decline, it might be difficult to travel around without assistance but don’t fret! Unified Pledge’s in-home senior care can take the worries off your shoulders.
Unified Pledge Home Health provides a FREE consultation where you can ask questions and learn more about their services.
A registered nurse from our home health agency will also perform a complementary in-home care assessment. With this assessment, you can decide what assistance you or your loved one may prefer.
Hiring professionals from Unified Pledge comes with the following advantages:
Level II FBI background checks of all staff
Driving history checks
Constant communication to patients, family, and care team
Registered Nurse supervision is ongoing with every care plan
Contact us today for a FREE consultation by a Supervisory Nurse at 561-910-8770.