A growing number of older adults in the United States experience loneliness due to a lack of connection with others, which poses a significant threat to their health. This is especially true for people who have lost their partners and no longer engage in social activities. As senior director of National Council on Aging Center for Healthy Agingthat’s it Kathleen Cameron I work to help advocate and empower older people when it comes to a range of issues – including loneliness.
Cameron told Yahoo Life that several factors contribute to social isolation later in life. “Family structures are now geographically distant, more so than in the past,” she says. “Adult children move from their hometowns to wherever new career opportunities take them – which may be far from their parents. The death of a senior’s spouse, siblings, or friends also increases loneliness, as does retirement, which is really difficult for some. retirees. Your coworkers may have been your only circle of friends for socializing, but now they’ve lost that. Suddenly they have a lot of free time and don’t know what to do. meaning and purpose in life.”
Finances can also come into play, she says. “Many seniors have a fixed budget after retirement and may not be able to participate in the things they once enjoyed, like going out with friends to dinner or going to the movies,” notes Cameron.
She adds that loneliness can “cause serious health problems.” In fact, to look for discovered that chronic loneliness is associated with a variety of negative health outcomesincluding hypertension, heart disease, stroke, obesity, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease and even premature death.
The data on older adults and loneliness paints a bleak picture, but Cameron says there’s still a lot that can be done to stay socially connected as we age. See how.
Consider friendships outside your norm
Your friendships may look different as you age. Don’t rule out less obvious opportunities for meaningful friendships – including, Cameron suggests, with people outside your age group. Maintaining intergenerational friendships can offset loneliness and help both parties have a more positive attitude toward aging.
Stay present and grateful
Cameron is also a firm believer in practicing gratitude – as early in life as possible – to improve overall health and positivity in the future. “Every day you should think about something you are grateful for while being mindful of others during your interactions with them,” she says. “I would even tell seniors to put their phone away during conversations and stay focused in the moment.”
Voluntary
Volunteering – delivering Meals on Wheels, handing out bottled water at a 10K run, donating your time to phone bank your preferred candidate – is consistently associated with fostering community and improving our own quality of life. Says Cameron: “Volunteer opportunities are also a great way to stay socially connected. It’s rewarding to help others and is beneficial to our physical and mental health.”
Check your hearing
Health problems like hearing loss can “cause older people to restrict their activities,” notes Cameron. The research found that hearing loss can also contribute to isolation if left untreated, due to difficulties communicating with other people and holding conversations. While she recognizes that many seniors don’t like asking for help, Cameron advises that anyone experiencing hearing difficulties talk to their doctor about getting hearing aids.
Consider spending time at a senior activity center
Cameron highlights the importance of seniors having access to the activities that these centers offer, such as educational programs, exercise classes, shared meals, card games, cinema days, gardening and book clubs. “It’s the best way to tackle loneliness – addressing your emotional needs, mental well-being, social connectedness and overall quality of life,” she says. Churches and other community centers can offer similar benefits.
Pursue a hobby
From knitting to karate, hobbies offer a range of health benefits, including helping to keep your mind sharp. Cameron adds that finding a hobby you can share with others – say, taking a pottery class, attending a convention for classic car enthusiasts, using your baking skills to help raise funds for your local school, etc. connections. “Participate in activities you enjoy and make friends with people with similar interests,” she says.
