Effect of Loneliness in the Elderly: Tips to Manage It

According to a new study by UCSF researchers, loneliness can be extremely burdensome to older individuals and can lead to major health issues and even mortality. The study highlights how 43 percent of assessed older adults felt lonely, despite the fact that just 18 percent lived alone. You need to take care and make sure that your elderly loved ones don’t feel lonely. This will not only keep them happy but also improve their health.

Read on to learn more about loneliness in older adults living in Encino and nearby cities.

Signs to Look for Loneliness in Your Elderly Loved Ones

You may be able to notice that your senior loved ones are lonely—especially if they have just lost a friend or family member. But at times, it may be very hard to perceive due to subtle changes in your loved ones. Here are a few signs to look out for if your elderly loved ones are suffering from loneliness:

Restless sleep

The lonelier a person feels, the more fragmented their sleep is. If your loved ones complain about not getting enough sleep or being weary more than usual, consider talking to them to see what’s on their mind.

Lack of appetite

Seniors who are lonely may experience a decrease in appetite. Although this decrease in appetite may be typical as part of the aging process, it is always worth noting when combined with other indicators of loneliness.

Emotional spending

To compensate for the lack of social interactions, lonely people prefer to seek for something to do and can end up with bad shopping habits. Talk to your loved ones if you notice them purchasing more than usual—they may not say it out loud, but they may be lonely.

Verbal clues

Seniors may convey to you that they are lonely; in certain cases, they may even express it out loud. Most of the time, you may need to watch for subtle hints, such as when your loved ones tell you that they don't have anybody to talk to or that they wish to visit friends frequently.

Change in behavior

Seniors who are lonely may retreat and cease interacting with others. If you see a shift in your loved ones' usual behavior, take it as a sign that they may be lonely.

Causes of Loneliness in Your Elderly Loved Ones

Loneliness among the elderly is caused by a variety of circumstances. Seniors may become lonely when they lose their spouse or when they retire and miss the day-to-day interaction with former coworkers. Another reason might be that they have moved to a retirement home and have lost contact with their family and loved ones.

Here are some of the causes of loneliness in older adults:

• Retirement
• Change in the living environment
• Poor physical health
• Lack of transportation
• Fear of being a burden to their loved ones
• Financial problems
• Medical conditions such as Parkinson’s

What Negative Impacts Does Loneliness Have on Seniors?

Loneliness can have a severe impact on your elderly loved one’s health which includes:

Decline in the physical and mental health

Various studies have shown that seniors who feel lonely and isolated are likely to have poor physical and mental health.

Risk of depression

Loneliness can directly affect the mood of a person, especially older adults. Feeling lonely can contribute to the onset of mental health issues like depression or even aggravate mental health conditions in them.

Increase risk of mortality

Loneliness is highly associated with a higher rate of mortality in adults aged above 52. This may be due to seniors who live alone without social contacts are less likely to seek medical attention in case of emergency situations.

Elevate risk of long term illness

There is a correlation between long-term illness and loneliness. Many seniors who suffer from loneliness suffer from long-term illnesses.

Cognitive decline

Loneliness has a number of detrimental implications on mental health as a mental condition. It is a risk factor for, and may contribute to, poor overall cognitive function and accelerated cognitive decline.

How to Deal with Your Loved One’s Loneliness?

If you are concerned about your elderly loved one, then consider following these tips:

Spend more time with them

One of the easiest ways to deal with your loved one’s loneliness is by spending quality time with them. Sharing activities with them can make a bigger impact than you think. Also, encourage them to express themselves and create a safe space for them.

Take time to talk and listen

Talk with your loved ones and try to listen to them. Simply being present to listen can go a long way to make your loved one feel less alone.

Hire professional caregivers

You can also hire professional caregivers for your elderly loved one. These caregivers will provide companionship and care to your loved ones.

Hiring an in-home caregiver might allow your loved one to continue living in the comfort of their own home with some added assistance. Our caregivers at Home Care Partner are trained to provide your loved ones with needed support and assistance. Contact us today to get a customized care plan.