Loneliness In Seniors – How Can You Help?
Aging seems to be the only available way to live a long life.” Daniel Francois Esprit Auber
That quote is perfect….if you’re going to live longer, it’s inevitable that you are going to age. While, for many seniors, it seems that it’s also inevitable that they become lonely as well, but in reality, loneliness doesn’t have to be a part of a senior’s life, plus it isn’t a healthy state of mind.
Sadly, many seniors are very susceptible to becoming lonely as life and circumstances change. And with the onset of loneliness many aspects of an otherwise healthy life are affected…
- happiness
- physical and mental health
- hope and outlook on life
- self care
- eating habits
Loneliness is an interesting thing, you can feel lonely in a crowded room, yet perfectly happy to be reading a book while you’re by yourself. It can be very confusing.
How can you tell if someone is suffering from loneliness?
Studies have shown that as people age, different things can affect how alone a person will feel, especially if they have lost a close personal relationship or dear pet, if their ability to function is diminishing (loss of driving privileges), if they don’t have any social connections, or they feel isolated.
Signs to watch for are:
Intentionally missing doctor appointments- Staying away from social opportunities
- Rejecting help when it’s offered
- Mood swings
- Lack of energy
- Increased negative thinking
- Not motivated to do anything
- Constant complaining about “aches or pains”
- Neglecting physical hygiene
How you can support your senior loved one or friend…
It’s hard to watch someone you care about struggle with feeling lonely and depressed. But if a loved one or someone you are close to is exhibiting some of the signs listed above, there are some things you can do to help.
Take time for them…- Schedule regular calls or visits, and ask other family members or friends to do so too.
- Find activities that you can do together periodically that will give them something to look forward to. It can be as simple as going for a walk, playing a game or preparing a meal together.
- Give them time with their grandchildren. This will give them the opportunity to share stories of their past, share a skill, or just get to know this younger generation of the family.
- If you’re a friend and not a family member, let them enjoy and get to know your children or grandchildren.
- Give them an opportunity to “get out” once in a while. Yes, many of the senior communities have shuttles to take the residents places, but if someone is feeling lonely, they may not want to use the service, and just stay home. How much nicer would it be if a friend or family picked them up and took them for a grocery outing?
- If they live in a senior community, maybe you could arrange for them to meet some of the other residents who they could enjoy a meal or a movie with.
- If you don’t live close to your senior, send cards or letters. Make it easy on yourself, and buy several inexpensive cards at the same time so they are there and ready to send. Send pictures of the family whenever possible.
- Look for volunteer organizations who either make or arrange visits or make phone calls.
We are Certified Senior Move Managers recognized by our National Association of Senior Move Managers, NASMM! We are committed to serving our seniors with a high standard of ethics, best business practices and continuing education to help make whatever transition they are going through a Smooth Transition.
Contact us to learn how we can help you and/or your family with senior downsizing and moving anywhere in the Phoenix East Valley area…we offer a Free consultation.
We would love to serve you. 480-339-0011
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