By Sandra Nweke, M.D., Family Medicine, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – West Grand Parkway
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), loneliness is the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact, while social isolation is a lack of social connections. Both conditions are associated with serious health risks, including heart disease, dementia, depression, and more.[1]
Older adults may be more likely to experience high levels of unhealthy stress, and loneliness.[2] Many older adults live alone or may be dealing with additional health concerns. On top of that, while grief is difficult for most, it can be particularly trying for older adults, as their social and family circles may decrease due to the natural course of time.[3] Encouraging social interaction for the older adults in your life may help them maintain their health and wellbeing. Ideas include:
- Offering to carpool. With day-to-day living costs increasing, and hitting especially hard for those on fixed incomes, asking if someone would like to carpool to the grocery store or pharmacy, for example, is not only a great way to connect and socialize, but it also provides an opportunity for older adults to have reliable access to transportation.
- Paying a friendly visit. Paying a visit to someone you know who is at greater risk for being lonely or isolated is a meaningful gesture and a great way to stay connected.
- Picking up the phone. Smartphones have granted us the luxury of staying connected without having to leave the house. Calling or video chatting is a great way to stay connected. Smartphone literacy has had a positive impact on older adults’ confidence and independence.
- Talking to your doctor. Doctors can assess risk for loneliness and social isolation, and connect patients to community resources for help, if needed.[4] If you or someone you care about is in crisis, please seek help immediately.
Simple acts of kindness mean a lot more than you may think, especially for older adults, who may need a little extra support. By employing some of these tips, we can do our part to help combat loneliness and support the social and emotional needs of the older adults we care about during the colder months, and throughout the year.
Disclaimer: If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or others — or you know someone
having those thoughts — seek help right away. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 — or go to the closest emergency room.
[1] Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions
[2] Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions (cdc.gov)
[3] Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions
[4] Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions (cdc.gov)
