The Real Health Cost of Loneliness
There are many factors that can impact our physical, mental, and emotional health. Sometimes eating well, exercising, and managing any ongoing medical conditions isn't enough. When we're considering total wellness for seniors, we have to consider the very real health cost of loneliness.
How Loneliness Impacts Health
There are different types of loneliness. Someone may be physically alone, lonely because they never get to see anyone; it's also possible to be surrounded by friends and family and still feel mentally or emotionally isolated. The presence of another human isn't necessarily enough- there needs to be a connection. Without that, you're at higher risk for a variety of serious health issues like these:
Depression: This study highlights the connection between loneliness and depression, and says, "There are strong indications that depression substantially increases the risk of death in adults, mostly by unnatural causes and cardiovascular disease...".
Alzheimer's and Dementia: Various studies have shown links between loneliness and cognitive decline and dementia.
Weakened Immune System: A compromised immune system can lead to all sorts of illnesses and complications. Loneliness has been shown to "...alter immune system cells in a way that increases susceptibility to illness". In fact, "...extreme loneliness can increase an older person's risk of premature death by 14%."
Heart Disease: The risk of heart disease among lonely people is similar to the risk among light smokers and obese individuals.
Blood Pressure: Being lonely can cause an increase in blood pressure.
Why Is Loneliness Common Among Seniors?
There are a lot of reasons why seniors might start to feel lonely or isolated, even if they have friends or family who regularly visit them.
Loss of Mobility
When we lose the ability to do the things we used to love, it can be shocking and sad. This might be something like playing tennis or walking the dog. When we're no longer able to do these activities, we lose a valuable part of our routine and even our identity. We may also lose contact with the friends we used to meet for a game or a stroll.
In some cases, that loss of mobility can affect simple, day-to-day activities like brushing your teeth or making breakfast. That loss of independence can be difficult to admit. Someone you love might start avoiding you because they don't want you to know they can no longer climb the stairs, for example—so the person not only becomes more lonely, but they're also trying to manage those challenges without help.
Loss of Driver's License
If your loved one is not able to drive himself to church, the store, the gym, or the weekly card game, he'll lose touch with his friends. Again, he's also trying to manage the sadness of losing some independence.
Loss of Friends
We're getting older, and our friends are, too. At some point, a friend may pass away or become housebound due to illness or injury. While some loneliness can be overcome by joining new activities and meeting new people, the loss of a friend or family member can be especially isolating because there is no way to replace that person.
How You Can Help
It's important to check in regularly with your loved one so you understand his or her habits, attitudes, and abilities. That way, you're more likely to notice when something changes. Engage in meaningful conversations and listen carefully; not only will your companionship help prevent loneliness or reduce the cost of loneliness, but your loved one may make mention of what he misses or what he would like to do.
Help your loved one keep up with the activities she enjoys. If she's experiencing a loss of mobility, it may be a matter of helping her find new activities or making new friends. If she's no longer driving, you could arrange rides so she can still run her own errands and visit her friends.
It's not always possible to do everything yourself. Caregiving on any level takes a lot of time, and it's important to remember you have a career, a family, and personal interests and responsibilities of your own. Hiring an in-home caregiver can provide the perfect solution. Your loved one might not need full-time skilled nursing or personal care, but companionship care—like light housekeeping and cooking, transportation, social interaction, and recreational activities—which can provide the emotional support your loved one needs. Please contact us if you have any questions about our in-home care and how it might work for you.
