In our last post, Social Isolation Series, Part 1: Identifying Triggers for Loneliness in Seniors, we introduced the need to address some of the most pressing challenges facing seniors during the current global health crisis and widespread isolation measures. With acute loneliness endangering both the mental and physical health of older adults, it’s important to focus on getting the information you and your loved ones need to navigate this difficulty effectively.
The first installment of our Social Isolation Series focused on the major contributors to severe loneliness in seniors as they are impacted by unprecedented social distancing rules and recommendations. With that foundation of understanding regarding triggers, it’s time to uncover some specific prevention opportunities. This combination of insight and action can support you or an aging loved one in dealing with the new realities of living in our current health and social environment.
The Urgency to Mitigate Loneliness in Seniors
“Humans have an inherent desire to be with other people, and feelings of loneliness or isolation have several detrimental effects on a person’s well-being,” explains a recent PscyhCentral article. “It might be tempting to say that loneliness is nothing more than a feeling, but researchers have found that it can be deadlier than obesity.”
It is critical to prioritize your emotional health or that of the senior in your life so as to prevent the associated physical and mental outcomes. Here’s what the data reveals about the correlation between loneliness and health:
All of this is to say that there’s a real and present urgency to mitigate loneliness for yourself or an elderly loved one. Doing so can significantly affect a number of mental and physical realities.
Here are some valuable opportunities to consider in your efforts to prevent unhealthy levels of loneliness and isolation within yourself or an older adult in your life. These are ideas you can employ even in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak and the need to quarantine or practice social distancing.
Accepting the Challenge to Think Outside the Box
“Social distancing doesn’t have to mean isolation or loneliness,” says Dr. Alicia Arbaje, Associate Professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “We need to keep older adults safe, but also keep in mind that social isolation can have a negative impact on older people’s immunity and mental health.”
In a recent Johns Hopkins Medicine article, Dr. Arbaje encourages seniors to think outside the box in terms of connecting with others—and not just their usual circle of friends and family: “Saying hello to the mail carrier or checking in on neighbors close by can add to a sense of connectedness.”
We’re living in an unprecedented time, navigating challenges we’ve never faced before. Now’s the time to think beyond the norm to find ways to stay connected and overcome loneliness in the face of social isolation. It’s more important than ever for seniors to prioritize their emotional health and receive the kind of outreach that makes life more manageable and fulfilling.
In our next installment of the Social Isolation Series, we’ll continue this critical discussion and provide even more helpful information for seniors and their loved ones.
For information about what the team at United Methodist Homes Assisted and Independent Living is doing to address concerns related to COVID-19, please check out our most recent update and guidance or call us directly at (877) 929-5321.