6 Ways to Combat Loneliness in Senior Citizens
According to a 2014 survey commissioned by AARP, a little over 35% of respondents over 45 years old categorized themselves as lonely. The study examined the relationship between those who identified as “lonely” and the respondent’s marital status, involvement in their community, social networks, traditional and electronic communications and networking. The study found that the income levels of those participating in the survey impacted their loneliness with those of a lower income level reporting higher instances of feelings of isolation.
Kids grow up and move away.
The lives of many seniors have revolved around child rearing and the daily activities and tasks it takes to ensure a family and household run smoothly. When the inevitable empty nest occurs, it can be unsettling.
Retirement happens
When you have spent the last 40 years with a predictable routine of going to work 5 or more days a week, the sudden chasm of time to fill can be intimidating. Often a person’s sense of worth and value is tied up who they are at work. Losing that identity can lead to loneliness and depression.
Key findings revealed seniors experienced less loneliness when they:
Have a pet
Volunteer
Feel a sense of purpose
Get regular exercise
Attend religious services
Are involved in community organizations
Feelings of social isolation are often increased in seniors that are experiencing health and mobility challenges. Single seniors who live alone experience a higher rate of feelings of isolation and loneliness if they had lived in their current residence less than a year, and it contributed to their perceptions of their own health being poor.
Stepping Up for Seniors is committed to filling the gap between what equipment and services are provided by local, state and federal agencies and what in-need seniors can afford on their limited incomes. We look forward to helping alleviate their loneliness by assisting them in increasing their mobility with the acquisition of the medical equipment they need to continue living fulfilling lives.
https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/life/info-2014/loneliness_2010.html