Negative Effects of Loneliness in Older Adults and How You Can Help
Did You Know?
“… feelings of loneliness have affected an
estimated 46 million Americans,
and more frequent feelings of loneliness were
found in adults aged 60 and older.” 1
Negative Effects of Loneliness in Older Adults and How You Can Help
For adults over age 50, more than 50% are socially isolated, or lonely, in ways that put their physical and mental health at risk…
And, over time, those feelings of isolation grow as many begin to experience a decline in health, family & friends who move away, and the loss of loved ones.
negative effects of loneliness and how you can help
5 Health Risks Loneliness Can Create in Older Adults:
A Recent Study3 shows:
-
- Social isolation is associated with about a 50% percent increased risk of dementia.3
- Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) are associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.3
- Social isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death from all causes — a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.3
- Loneliness is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.3
- Loneliness among heart failure patients was associated with nearly 4x increase for risk of death, 68% increased risk of hospitalization, and 57% increased risk of ER department visits.3
How Can You Help Your Loved Ones or Yourself?
“Sometimes, the best way to take care of ourselves and the people we loveis simply to regularly reach out and check in —to acknowledge and be acknowledged.”– Dr. Joel Salinas1
Check out these 8 Tips to Get Connected and Stay Active:
1- Keep Up Current Hobbies & Learn New Things:
Check out Kaunoa Senior Programs (currently on-line due to Covid) – they have tons of options available!
2- Volunteer:
Deliver Meals On Wheels, join the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, or volunteer for hospice – there are endless options.
3- Give Regular Support:
To Family & Friends – Check in, bring a homecooked meal, pick up the phone, have a zoom meeting! Stay Connected.
4- Adopt a Pet:
A gift of love, companionship, sense of purpose & a more active lifestyle.
5- Check out Senior Planet :
Stay active and connected with other seniors with the online programs – keep learning & exploring!
6- New Senior Tech like Alexa Together:
Try the 6-month free trial and get help with reminders, make calls, create your circle of support, remote assist and more!
7- Check Out ‘Love For Our Elders’:
Learn how to write letters to reduce loneliness for elders. View a current list of seniors who would LOVE to receive a letter or card.
8- Consider In-home Care for Companionship:
Check out an In-home Care agency for companionship to bedbound care, and everything in between!
Kindness and Love make our world a better place.
Remember to stop by or touch base —
Let those you love FEEL how important they really are.
Sources:
1 Association of Loneliness With 10-Year Dementia Risk and Early Markers of Vulnerability for Neurocognitive Decline” by Joel Salinas et al. Published; 2/7/22 in Neurology Journal
2 Steve Cole, Ph.D., director of the Social Genomics Core Laboratory at the University of California, Los Angeles. His NIA-funded research
3 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2020. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/2566
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