Preventing Loneliness in Older Family Members - Tips That Work Now
Loneliness can be a significant health concern and is more dangerous than many imagine. In older adults, loneliness and depression have adverse effects on health and independence.
Do you get lonely? We all do from time to time. However, as we get older, more people feel lonely. Today there is an even greater level of isolation due to the aftereffects of the COVID-19 virus crisis.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine says over one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely. Nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are deemed socially isolated.
Social Isolation and Depression Increasing Among Seniors
The CDC says older adults are at increased risk for loneliness and social isolation since many live alone, have lost family or friends, suffer chronic illness, and hearing loss.
Loneliness is a health obstacle for many seniors in our communities. Not only can isolation lead to depression, but loneliness can also have significant impacts on physical health. Studies have shown that loneliness is more deadly than smoking. Prolonged isolation can increase the chances of stroke and progress symptoms of dementia.
But caregivers and family members can help facilitate activities to minimize the isolation seniors experience. Learn how you can help yourself and seniors prevent loneliness with these tips.
Encourage Visitors
More Americans are now vaccinated for COVID-19 so people can safely start returning to a somewhat normal life.
Organizing times for friends, family members, and neighbors to stop by is always beneficial. Sometimes, they might need a gentle nudge. Plan times for one-on-one visits or arrange for a group visit. Even hiring in-home care for a few hours a week can help stave off isolation.
Tailor Socialization
Not everyone needs the same amount of socialization. Whether your loved one is an introvert or extrovert, tailor visiting times to what they need, not what you think they need. Listen to them if they mention it's too much or too little. Be careful not to impose on them.
Also, energy levels change as we get older. If they were social butterflies in their youth, they might not be so much now.
Hobbies
Many activities are available for seniors in any community. Some possible hobbies you might help them pick up include:
- Volunteer Opportunities – They might decide to become a museum docent, mentor children, and work in a communal garden.
- Courses – Senior centers offer courses with various interests, such as art, singing, water aerobics, or bingo.
- Online Communities – Seniors can engage with one another in chat rooms and discuss topics concerning them.
- Pets – Finding a pet for your loved one can increase engagement in their life. Owning and caring for pets have been known to reduce stress and blood pressure.
Senior Living Community
One of the most helpful solutions for how you can help seniors prevent loneliness is a senior living community. For seniors who need more care, living in an assisted living community can offer social benefits they otherwise wouldn't receive in their own homes.
Stay Connected
Everyone has busy lives these days; however, if you have an older parent or loved one who lives independently, be sure to speak with them regularly. Even a quick phone call can be beneficial in reducing loneliness and depression. If your loved one has a smartphone, a quick video chat can even make it more memorable.
With small steps to encourage engagement, your loved ones can still lead engaging social lives well into their twilight years. Keep in mind, as we all get older, we experience changes in our health. Bodies change. Some people even experience cognitive decline. When this starts to happen, some people begin to isolate themselves. This isolation leads to loneliness, depression, and poor health.
About the Author
Mallory Knee is a freelance writer for multiple online publications where she can showcase her affinity for all things beauty and fashion. She particularly enjoys writing for communities of passionate women who come together for a shared interest and empower one another in the process. In her free time, you can find Mallory trying a fun new dinner recipe, practicing calligraphy, or hanging out with her family.
Mallory Knee
Contributor since September 25th, 2020
Editor's Note
Preparing for the costs and burdens of aging should be a key part of retirement planning. Don't place the full responsibility of future caregiving on your family members. The job of a caregiver is physically and emotionally demanding.
If you use paid care services, the costs will drain income and assets, adversely changing your lifestyle and legacy. The solution for many American families is affordable Long-Term Care Insurance.
In-home care providers are training to meet both physical and emotional needs. The right caregiver will reduce the risk of loneliness and depression. However, having the guaranteed tax-free resources to pay for your choice of quality care will also give you and your family peace of mind.
Research Tools on LTC NEWS
LTC NEWS offers multiple tools and resources to help you research the financial costs and burdens of aging so you can find an affordable solution.
Find all the resources on LTC NEWS by clicking here.
One of the best tools is the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator. You can find the current and future costs of long-term health care where you live. This information will help you design an appropriate LTC Insurance policy.
Find a licensed and qualified specialist to help you find the best coverage at the best value. Be sure the specialist works with the top companies and has extensive experience with policy design, underwriting, and claims.
Find a trusted specialist by clicking here.
Need Help with LTC Policy Claims
LTC NEWS can arrange for free Long-Term Care Insurance claims processing and care coordination. No cost or obligation. If you have a loved one who has a policy and needs care - don't delay. Use the benefits.
Click here now.
Funding Long-Term Care Insurance
There are several ways to fund your Long-Term Care Insurance policy. Most people can pay premiums from their income easily. While the premiums are affordable for many families, some people have most of their assets tied to the value of their home.
Reverse mortgages are a way to provide you with tax-free funds that can pay for LTC Insurance, increase your cash flow, and more. They are NOT for everyone but learn more by clicking here.
Share News with LTC NEWS
Include LTC NEWS in your press release distribution. If your group, organization, business, political committee, etc., have news to share, send it to LTC NEWS. Email - newsroom@ltcnews.com
Marketing and Advertising Opportunities on LTC NEWS
Marketing opportunities are abundant for your business available with LTC NEWS. Plus, working with LTC NEWS is affordable and efficient. Use LTC NEWS to gain exposure for yourself, your business, drive traffic to your website or blog, and improve your SEO.
Reach an educated audience. Readers of LTC NEWS are researching retirement issues, including aging, health, caregiving, and long-term care. Other readers seek information for a parent or other loved one who is experiencing declining health or aging issues and require extended care.
Many marketing opportunities are available, including sponsored content articles. Sponsored content offers you a long-form way to sell yourself, your company, and your ideas.
Learn more about how LTC NEWS can help you market your business, drive traffic, and improve SEO - click here.
Become a Guest Contributor for LTC NEWS
You can write for LTC NEWS. Gain exposure for yourself, drive traffic to your website or blog, and improve your SEO.
LTC NEWS offers many resources to help families address the consequences of long-term care, aging, health, caregiving, and other retirement issues. You can be part of the effort to help educate consumers throughout the U.S. and around the world.
Write a story for publication on LTC NEWS and let America hear what you have to say. Be sure your article fits the LTC NEWS target audience of adults 40-70.
Topics can include stories on:
- Aging
- Caregiving
- Health
- Long-Term Care
- Retirement Planning
There are numerous other related topics, as well. You can even promote yourself, your business, and your website or blog. It must have editorial content exclusive for LTC NEWS and cannot be just an advertisement. It can include links to other sites, and you can share the article link once published on your website or social media.
Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com or click here.
