Ask anyone for advice about living a long, healthy life and you’ll probably hear tips about the importance of eating well, stopping smoking, exercising, and getting regular medical checkups. Don’t throw those good habits out the window; but, it may come as a shock to learn that connecting with others may be the single most important ingredient for aging well.
Why is it important to recognize isolation and loneliness?
Researchers have been studying the impact of social isolation and loneliness on health and well-being for many years. Over and over, it has been proven that social support acts as a buffer against illness and cognitive decline. Loneliness and seclusion are thought to be as bad as or worse for your health than smoking, obesity, or being an alcoholic. Put simply, loneliness breeds illness and early death.
The growing problem of social isolation and loneliness affects millions of older Americans. USAging estimates that “one in five adults over age 50 are affected by isolation, a problem that has been associated with higher rates of chronic disease, depression, dementia and death.” USAging, in collaboration with AARP Foundation, launched the national public education campaign—Expanding Your Circles: Prevent Isolation and Loneliness As You Age—intentionally during the holidays, to raise awareness about this issue and help families and friends recognize risk factors and problems.
How to spot problems
How can you tell if an older adult in your life is at risk of isolation? There are telltale signs that may indicate a need for extra support:
- Living alone
- Family living at a distance
- Friends have passed away and social circle is getting smaller and smaller
- Poor hearing and/or vision
- Memory loss or other cognitive problems
- Difficulty getting around (trouble walking, unable to drive or access transportation)
- Significant life changes such as the recent loss of a partner or moving to a new home
Protecting health by connecting
Why is being around others so important to well-being? Social connectedness increases resistance to disease. Older people who regularly interact with family, friends and participate in social activities report better emotional and physical health and show improvement performing some mental tasks. Those with strong social ties require less pain medication after surgery and recover more quickly. They also fall less often, are better nourished and have a lower risk of depression.
A beautiful story from few years ago went viral on social media, retold by network news outlets about the unlikely relationship between Norah, then 4 years old, and “Mr. Dan” Peterson, 82. Mr. Dan, who was a widower (he has since passed away) and grieving the recent loss of his wife, made a routine trip to the grocery story that changed his life. When greeted by Norah with “Hi, old person! It’s my birthday!” a special bond was sparked, pulling Mr. Dan out of his isolation and loneliness, and giving him a new purpose. Chance encounters like this don’t happen often, but all of us have opportunities to be a Norah to the Mr. Dans in the world or find ways to help make meaningful connections.
Contact with others can feed the spirit by bringing meaning and purpose to each day. It’s reciprocal—both parties benefit. Regardless of one’s age, when we are around others we give and receive support as well as hands-on assistance. Mr. Dan and Norah’s story is a perfect example of this.
Tips for connecting
There are numerous ways older people can connect. Here are just a few:
- Visiting children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors
- Participating in faith activities, services, studies, and social events
- Signing up for trips sponsored by local community centers
- Volunteering at schools, hospitals, or local nonprofit organizations
- Taking classes or attending lectures at local libraries, schools, and other community venues
- Joining a book group or social club
- Exploring events and activities available at your neighborhood senior center
These activities can help older adults develop deeper relationships with others who have similar interests and passions. They can expose them to new people, projects, and ideas, and help foster confidence and direction in their lives. If your dad becomes involved with a cause that is important, it helps him keep life in perspective and reminds him that he has a lot to offer the world.
What if your mom can’t get out anymore? Bring activities to her. Set up a schedule of visitors made up of family, friends, or paid companions. Modify activities to match abilities. Reach out to a professional to help design an individualized program if you don’t know what to do or have trouble implementing a plan.
Is there a downside?
Even though there is an undeniable connection between having robust social ties and good health, no single type of support is uniformly effective for all people and all situations. Unneeded or the wrong kind of help may reduce an elder’s sense of independence and self-esteem. Preventing her from doing things on her own can lead to a state of “learned helplessness”–loss of confidence and less willingness to try things independently.
Next steps
As mentioned earlier, USAging has put together a helpful brochure, focused on older adults, entitled Expanding Your Circles: Prevent Isolation and Loneliness as You Age.
Here you’ll find a self-assessment checklist, information, ideas, and resources to identifying risk for isolation and ways to stay connected and engaged.
Locally, there is an endless bounty of opportunities for older adults to connect. Here are a few:
- The Greenwood Senior Center (GSC) and Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA), of which the GSC is a part, offers a wide variety of classes, events, volunteer opportunities, outings, and meal program.
- Sound Generations offers meals and fitness programs, free rides to medical appointments, and opportunities for meaningful engagement with others in Seattle and King County at their Senior Centers.
- King County Library System (KCLS) and Seattle Public Library (SPL) have wonderful resources focused on adults who are 50 and older, and includes programs such as Civic Coffee, Wisdom Cafes, resources fairs, and classes.
- Many area colleges and universities offer lifelong learning programs, such as the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Washington and The Broadway Hill Club at Seattle Central College.
- Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55 and over. Service opportunities are as diverse as the communities in which volunteers serve.
- ElderFriends is a volunteer-based program that provides companionship, outreach, and advocacy services to isolated older adults throughout Seattle and King County.
Not sure where to start? Aging Wisdom can help! As your trusted advisors who can thoroughly evaluate a situation and help you or an older person in your care navigate options to reduce social isolation, arrange individualized activities, and companion services, overcome barriers such as resistance to change, and open doors to possibilities you may never have imagined. Schedule a free, get-acquainted call today to get the conversation started.
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