Combatting Feelings of Isolation Among Seniors

As humans, we thrive on social interaction. Family, friends, and colleagues provide us with companionship, emotional support, and intellectual stimulation. As we age, however, our levels of social interaction tend to decrease. Family members move away, spouses and friends pass on, and many seniors find themselves living in an increasingly isolated landscape.

This gradual withdrawal from social life has been linked to an increased risk for health problems among seniors—including depression, hypertension, heart disease, and reduced mental acuity. A recent study by the National Institute on Aging concluded that loneliness and social isolation can increase levels of cortisol, which can hinder immune response and promote inflammation.

Adding to the problem, shelter-in-place and social distancing orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic have increased levels of social isolation globally, and have placed many independently living seniors in a “contact drought” where face-to-face interaction with others is minimal.

So how can we combat feelings of loneliness and isolation for seniors who are struggling in these uncertain times? Here are a few ideas…

• Cultivate Social Relationships: Beginning new friendships late in life isn’t always easy, but many seniors are able to increase their social participation by joining a club, volunteering outside the home, or taking a part-time job. 

• Make Connections Online: The Information Age has offered us many convenient ways to stay connected without face-to-face contact. Apps like Zoom and Facetime allow seniors to stay connected with friends and loved ones, whether they’re across the nation or down the street. The Institute on Aging even offers a Friendship Line, a 24-hour toll-free hotline that allows homebound or disabled seniors to connect with others by phone.

• Adopt a Pet: House pets have been shown to provide invaluable comfort, contact, and unconditional love that help us stay emotionally buoyant when we are isolated. And simple interactions like petting a cat or dog can help boost mood, ease stress, and even lower blood pressure.

• Work with an In-Home Caregiver: Regular visits from an in-home care provider can have many beneficial effects for seniors.
  – Companionship gives seniors an opportunity for social interaction. By sharing their feelings, and concerns with a compassionate listener, seniors can feel heard, understood, and connected.
  – Emotional support provided by an in-home caregiver can provide seniors with invaluable nurturing and encouragement—as well as assistance in performing daily self-care tasks such as shopping, cooking, and dressing.
  – Spiritual life is essential to many seniors. An in-home caregiver can help transport seniors to worship services, read spiritual texts aloud with seniors at home, or offer opportunities for home prayer and mediation.

We hope you find this article helpful. At 5 Star Home Care, we understand the importance of social interaction to seniors and are experienced in supporting the physical, mental, and emotional health of our clients. Our trained in-home care workers understand the challenges faced by today’s independent seniors and work with each client to provide the intellectual stimulation needed to live a fulfilling life.

If you or someone you know could benefit from in-home care, contact us today! We’re waiting to hear from you.

With offices in Bala Cynwyd and Philadelphia, 5 Star Home Care serves the Philadelphia metro area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. Contact us today, and discover what peace of mind feels like.