The Impact of Loneliness on Senior Physical and Mental Health
Home Care Assistance in Fairfax County VA
As people live longer, there is a higher likelihood they will deal with loneliness as they see friends and even loved ones pass on. Not only that, but their own health conditions may cause them to miss out on socializing opportunities. Unfortunately, loneliness can have a significant impact on senior health and well-being. However, seniors with home care assistance have built in socialization, which can help them combat the affects loneliness can have on seniors’ health.
How Does Loneliness Impact Seniors’ Physical Health?
For seniors, loneliness can have major physical effects. Studies have linked isolation to high blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke. It can also compromise immune systems, which increases their susceptibility to diseases. In addition, seniors who may feel depressed might struggle to engage in physical activities, opting to sit around the house instead. When this happens, they can quickly slip into a sedentary lifestyle that can be hard to break. The truth is that even spending a few minutes engaged in some sort of activity can help seniors feel better.
Implications for Mental Health
Loneliness also has a significant impact on seniors’ mental health, as it often leads to depression and anxiety. Additionally, when seniors feel sad or anxious, they may let things slip, such as household duties. The more this happens, the more depressed they might become, creating a cycle that’s difficult to get out of. If seniors have home care assistance, they can monitor what tasks are or aren’t being completed, helping them out when possible.
Strategies for Helping Seniors Avoid Loneliness
As mentioned above, seniors who have home care assistance have a built-in resource to help them fight loneliness. Those situations aren’t the only way home care can help. They can also encourage seniors to get out in the community, such as going to events or spending time in the park, as well as transport them to these activities if needed. Beyond that, they give seniors someone to talk to and share their experiences with, which goes a long way toward lowering their sense of isolation.
Family and friends can also help seniors avoid loneliness by ensuring they maintain regular contact, either through the phone or in person. Also, simple gestures like asking seniors to join them in an activity help make them feel valued. When family members live further away, seniors can ask for home care assistance to help them connect through technology, such as video calls. Not only that, but seniors can enjoy social media platforms and online support groups to increase their engagement with others each day.
Finally, seniors might also find comfort and company in pets. Having a pet can help them feel like they have a purpose, lower blood pressure, and ease anxiety. Taking care of an animal like a dog also motivates physical exercise, which can help with both mental and physical well-being.
Seniors’ loneliness is a major problem that can compromise their physical and mental health in several different respects. With the help of home care assistance, along with family and friends, they can take steps to reduce their feelings of loneliness and feel better each day.
Sources:
https://www.verywellmind.com/loneliness-causes-effects-and-treatments-2795749
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care assistance in Fairfax County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Serving Northern Virginia, The Valley, and Surrounding Communities – call us today at (703) 369-6677.
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