Social Isolation and Seniors: Build Connection
With Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa fast approaching, experts have advice on how seniors and the community around them can fight a yearly winter threat: social isolation.
A United Health Foundation report ranked Maryland 27th in the nation for the risk of social isolation to its seniors. One study by AARP found more than 30 percent of seniors have felt lonely over the past five years during the holidays.
The winter observances are a prime time for loneliness to cast its pall. This is a real potential danger, for seniors and for everyone else as well.
From WebMD:
Much of the research about loneliness centers on older adults, but you can feel lonely at any age. When you feel socially isolated, here’s what could be going on in your brain and your body:
Stress. Loneliness triggers your body to produce extra cortisol, known as the stress hormone. Cortisol is normally released in response to a temporary threat. When the body is exposed to cortisol for a long period of time, it can cause anxiety and depression. You can also have headaches, sleep disturbances, and digestive problems. Your heart health may be impacted. You may even gain weight.
Poorer brain function. Social isolation changes your brain’s chemistry. This makes tasks that require thinking more difficult. Experts believe that this process may lead to reduced cognitive ability and eventually to dementia, especially in older adults.
Faster aging and earlier death. Loneliness can cause the cells of your body to age faster than usual. It also increases the risk of early death from all causes.
Lois Meszaros, licensed psychologist and executive council member of AARP Maryland, said there are common signs to warn family, friends, or older people themselves that they may be experiencing isolation. One of those signs, she said, is shrinking social circles.
“They’re complaining of their world shrinking,” Meszaros said. “They’re no longer working, so they’re not doing things with coworkers. Friends have moved away to warmer climates or to be closer to grandchildren.”
Meszaros pointed out other signs of loneliness, including a lack of interest in previously loved activities and unexplainable physical ailments. One example is a senior complaining of a sore arm or leg, despite doctors not being able to find anything wrong.
For anyone feeling acutely lonely during the holidays, Meszaros offered ways to fight isolation. She suggested reaching out to family members and friends on the phone or going for walks in the neighborhood. Even if they don’t feel like accepting an invitation, Meszaros advised they should go. Look for concerts, festivals, senior leagues, or events at churches, senior centers, and libraries.
Some older adults don’t seek help. For family members, friends, or neighbors concerned about an elderly person in their life, Meszaros emphasized there are many ways to offer assistance.
“Providing transportation, providing help with technology, I see these as things that are really needed,” Meszaros said.
She added that it is helpful for older adults to have access to technology, which can keep them connected to others. If Granddad or an auntie is inexperienced with computers or the Internet, help them learn to use it. Giving them computer lessons is another path toward beating social isolation.
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