It is not at all uncommon for older adults to experience isolation. When it comes to people 65 years of age and older, approximately 34% of them live alone. As people near and surpass retirement age, they may get fewer visits from friends and have less care provided by family members. Emotional issues can result from isolation including loneliness and depression. It can even have negative physical effects including heart problems, obesity, immunodeficiency, and other diseases. To help your loved ones stay healthy, you can learn about how to combat loneliness.
Here are some ways for your loved ones to experience social connectedness.
Interaction with Friends and Family
One of the most important pastimes your loved ones can be involved in is visiting friends and family. If it’s hard for them to get out, have their friends and family come to them.
Encourage Social Dining
Getting together for dinner, lunch, coffee, etc., is a great opportunity to share interests, stories, make new friends, discover new taste sensations, and much more.
Be Actively Engaged
To help keep your loved ones engaged, determine what they may be interested in. Is there a hobby they might like to get started or revisit? Could they participate in a group hobby?
Doctor Visits Are Crucial
For your loved ones to be healthy enough to participate in community events and spend time with friends and family, they must be healthy. Make sure that doctor appointments are always kept, and always follow the doctor’s advice.
Encourage Exercise
Exercise will help your loved ones feel young longer and stay healthier. If they can get together with one or two friends, it is always more fun than exercising alone.
Encourage Community Involvement
There are numerous activities in the community that older adults can get involved with. Card games, dance classes, choruses, clubs, and so much more. They also may consider volunteering for one of their favorite causes, if they are physically capable of doing so.
Consider a Pet
Owning a pet helps give people a purpose in life. The pet depends on them for meals, cleaning the litter box, vet visits, going on walks, and more. It’s someone to love and to share life with, and someone who gives unconditional love back, as well.
Offer Transportation
It’s hard for some older adults to get out because they don’t drive anymore. Help your loved ones get out and about more, by offering to transport them back and forth. At the very least, help them find a ride if you can’t offer your services.
Blue Ridge Can Help Combat Loneliness In Your Loved Ones
Your loved ones will be far less likely to experience loneliness at our Blue Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care community, with a calendar filled with Celebrations, Activities and Events. Even mealtime can be a time for socialization in our Sensations Dining room. But wait – there’s more! Field trips, shopping trips, and more can be additional opportunities to meet up with friends and make new ones.
Contact us today if you have any questions or, better yet, schedule a tour.
