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Loneliness and Social Isolation in seniors

User Profile: pamharley003
pamharley003 April 4th

Loneliness and social isolation have a serious impact on the well-being, mental state, and quality of life in seniors. As we grow older, we begin to not want to be a burden on others. Seniors have a hard time asking for help because they feel they should be able to do things like they used to. Some feel afraid or will get depressed for asking a family member or friend for help.

Older people begin to know that their children may not live close by or friends their age cannot help them because they are in the same situation as they are. People will become socially isolated because they're afraid of leaving their home, going to visit friends.

Someone who lives alone may feel their being a burden on others if they ask for help. They want to do things for themselves; it just may take a little longer in getting a project done, doing a chore, or going out to go grocery shopping.

Loneliness affects everyone of any age, not just elderly people. Everyone needs to be social with our family and friends. We thrive to be out enjoying alcoholic beverages with friends and just talk. Loneliness and social isolation are associated with heart disease, depression, and cognitive matters.

Seniors, or anyone at any age, begin to have emotional problems. This can change the way others look at the world around them. They may feel uncomfortable around others, so they choose to isolate themselves inside their home. Seniors feel their home is their safe place to be.

Ways to not be isolated or lonely:

Surround yourself with others: Make time for family and friends; this is socially good for your well-being. When at family functions or out with friends, enjoy the company you're with.

Stay physically active: Go with friends for a walk in the park or around the corner in your neighborhood. This also keeps you socially active talking about current events or things going on in your life.

Be active: Seniors may want to join classes about learning a computer better so you may learn to email and face chat with family.

Being healthy: keep eating properly and eat healthily. Make sure to keep up on doctor appointments so your well-being is in check.

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User Profile: Amanda84
Amanda84 April 4th

@pamharley003

Thank you for sharing 💛

I often see the same impact with my parents and it's hard.

Loneliness is probably the biggest heart breaker .

That's why I try to make sure, they always have someone in their corner 💛

kindness-matters-kin.gif

1 reply
User Profile: okeyyyy
okeyyyy April 20th

thanks so much for this, as always keeping with 7 cups is a true help for me. I really need to work on being more sociable, yesterday i went to play D&D with people( a board game ) and i tend to stay too much at home, due to not having goals in life, just drifting, ( age 48) for sure need to work on this, thanks for sharing this with us . yay 


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User Profile: amiablePeace77
amiablePeace77 April 4th

@pamharley003

Thank you for all these amazing suggestions, Pam! All points you mentioned are important but I find staying active, mentally and physically, is particularly important for seniors.

User Profile: soulsings
soulsings April 6th

@pamharley003 great ideas - thanks for sharing!

User Profile: QuietByNature
QuietByNature April 20th

@pamharley003

Recently I have been noticing that isolation is the cause of my emotional depression. But because I am socially awkward, it is hard for me to meet and make friends. Sure I wish it were easy to just go out and be social and meet people but it really is not.

I am no longer working and have only kept in contact with 3 people from my old job, mostly VIA texting. I don't talk to my neighbour's much. Took me 20+ yrs to make those 3 friends.

I do exercise to stay healthy, whether through walking or resistance training.

I've tried going to the local swimming pool but everyone there is young and usually with a child.


4 replies
User Profile: Amanda84
Amanda84 April 20th

@QuietByNature

You've always got me 💚🤗

3 replies
User Profile: QuietByNature
QuietByNature April 21st

@Amanda84

That I do and I truly appreciate you being there for me. 😊🤗

I really miss having that one confidant I can sit and talk to face to face, I don't know if I will ever have that again. 🥺

2 replies
User Profile: pamharley003
pamharley003 OP April 21st

@QuietByNature

I am also here for you I will never leave your side 🥰

1 reply
User Profile: QuietByNature
QuietByNature April 21st

@pamharley003

Thank you 😊 🤗 

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User Profile: easyHemlock9068
easyHemlock9068 April 21st

It's been hard, but I try to fill my weekly schedule with things I like to do and people I like to see.

User Profile: eternalHero77
eternalHero77 May 17th

@pamharley003 Its very hard keepin’ myself surrounded wit others. I try to be but the people I am around they get uptight wit me and pretty much dont Wanna me around. Namely my family and unless I am in my home tome where I am at now people rarely connect wit others. Everyone does their own thing. Back home I would at least have a chance. Hopefully my homeless status will change to where I can return to my home state and meet people Cuz ups here where I am there is absolutely no chance to meet anyone. Theyre all out doing their own thing.