Seniors and Loneliness
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By Tori Sallady
For millions of seniors, loneliness increases physical and mental health issues and can be avoided with easy changes. Namely, maintaining strong social networks can help seniors stay healthier longer and enhance the overall quality of their lives as well.
Among the health hazards, emotional loneliness elevates blood pressure and increases depression in seniors, according to a 2006 University of Chicago study. More than 2 million of the nation's 64 million seniors suffer a form of depression. Lonely seniors can have blood pressure readings of 30 points higher than their peers that are socially active, regardless of additional health factors, sex and race.
Unfortunately, older Americans are more prone to experience the kind of life changes that place them at greater risk for loneliness, including the death of a loved one, retirement, illness and decreased physical mobility. Even smaller changes such as the gradual inability to drive a vehicle and the decrease in social activities have a large effect on seniors.
In addition to these issues, the number of seniors living alone continues to grow. Between 1993 and 2000, the number of American seniors living alone jumped from 8.8 to 9.7 million. Not surprisingly, experts expect this number to increase with the 2010 Census results.
Fortunately, seniors - even those with significantly curtailed mobility - have a number of options to combat loneliness. The key is finding the proper social fit for each senior.
Proven loneliness-fighting strategies include:
Volunteer
Volunteers have a longer life span, manage higher functional abilities and are less likely to have heart disease, according to a Corporation for National and Community Service study. More specifically, research shows that volunteers 65 and older have significantly lower rates of depression than their non-volunteering peers.
Join Social and Support Groups
Interacting socially with people who have similar interests or similar challenges not only combats loneliness but can be a way to build new friendships as well. If your community has a senior center, take advantage of its programs and facilities, including transportation assistance. Call your local recreation or senior services department to find what's available in your area.
Connect via the Internet
Between 2000 and 2004, the amount of seniors utilizing the Internet doubled. Seniors can use the Internet to find information on relevant topics and meet other seniors who have similar issues. For example, those seniors who have mobility problems can find others with similar challenges through a variety of websites directed at seniors
More and more technology is being created for seniors who have trouble using their computers and the Internet, such as large-button keyboards and voice recognition software. For those seniors struggling to connect with their grandchildren, seeking their help with online issues may be beneficial.
Learn Something New
Interaction between a student and teacher is necessary to learning a new skill. When one begins to acquire a new skill, he or she also starts to gain more ability to interact with others. To find classes appropriate for seniors, check out local community colleges' and city centers' websites.
Maintain Friendships
Studies show that even more important than family connections in fighting loneliness among seniors are friendships. Keep up with friends through visits, phone, letter or e-mail.