Combatting Loneliness in the Elderly

Loneliness is a global public health concern

Indeed, loneliness and isolation in old age can have a serious detrimental effect on a person’s mental and physical wellbeing.

The WHO recently declared loneliness as a ‘global public health concern’, with an estimated 25% of older adults experiencing social isolation.Some evidence suggests prolonged loneliness and social isolation can even be as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and pose greater health risks than those linked with obesity and lack of physical activity.

With upwards of two million people over the age of 75 in the UK living alone – conditions that only exacerbate loneliness in old age – it’s imperative that friends, family members, and even neighbours can identify and understand signs of loneliness in the elderly.

Signs of loneliness and social isolation in the elderly

It can sometimes be difficult to spot when our loved ones are feeling lonely or isolated, especially if we are not in regular contact with them to understand their daily routines and behaviour. People are often reluctant to reach out and express their feelings on the matter too. Just a handful of signs to look out for include:

Withdrawal from or lack of social activities: Avoiding social activities or withdrawing from things they previously enjoyed may indicate that someone is struggling with loneliness or is perhaps feeling isolated.

Decline in personal hygiene and home maintenance: Someone who isn’t taking care of their personal hygiene or managing to complete basic household chores may be lacking the motivation of social engagements and interactions to keep on top of things.

Changes in appetite and sleeping patterns: Without regular social engagements to help create a routine and sense of purpose and enjoyment, this may begin to disrupt someone’s meal times and when they feel ready to sleep.

Identifying signs of elder loneliness is only half of the battle; the next step is to learn how to combat loneliness.

Ways to combat loneliness in the elderly 

Sadly, the stigma surrounding loneliness in the elderly can discourage people experiencing elder isolation from reaching out; compounding and worsening the effects of loneliness in old age.

So, with that in mind, we’ve prepared a list of practical tips to help fight back against loneliness in the elderly.

Join Community Groups and Activities

For some individuals, where perhaps they don’t have friends and family nearby, or where it’s not possible for their loved ones to be with them, joining a community or leisure group near to where you live can be a great way to combat loneliness and isolation.

No matter what type of group you join, whether it’s a local sports team, voluntary group, or even book club, it’ll offer a sense of companionship, as well as providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Maintain Hobbies & Discover New Pastimes

The simplest way to combat loneliness in the elderly is also possibly the most satisfying – not to mention the easiest to personalise.

As well as providing people with something to look forward to on a regular basis – a vital tool in combating elder loneliness – hobbies allow people to remain engaged in the world around them and offer a sense of structure. Plus, if it’s a new hobby, there is potential for a social circle to widen even further as you make new connections!

Whether it’s something as relaxing as a cookery class, exciting as an elder-focused sports club, or intellectually stimulating as a board game group, hobbies ensure we stay connected to others.  Given the wealth of activities on offer,  this means an inexhaustible number of ways to fight loneliness in old age.

Pets and Pet Therapy

Aside from their innumerable benefits to overall health and wellbeing – from increased sense of purpose to improved cardiovascular health – pet ownership has been proven to address signs of loneliness in old age.

Indeed, in combatting elder loneliness, the proverb ‘you’re never alone with a pet’ rings true, with our animal friends offering a valuable sense of companionship. Moreover, pet ownership can also be a social experience – dog walking groups, for example – meaning our furry, feathered, or scaly friends can bring us closer to those around us, too.

It is, of course, important to consider your lifestyle and any potential limitations when adopting a pet, but with such a variety available, it’s easy to find an animal that’ll slot into your life so seamlessly that you’ll wonder what you ever did without them.

Pets and Pet Therapy

Aside from their innumerable benefits to overall health and wellbeing – from increased sense of purpose to improved cardiovascular health – pet ownership has been proven to address signs of loneliness in old age.

Indeed, in combatting elder loneliness, the proverb ‘you’re never alone with a pet’ rings true, with our animal friends offering a valuable sense of companionship. Moreover, pet ownership can also be a social experience – dog walking groups, for example – meaning our furry, feathered, or scaly friends can bring us closer to those around us, too.

It is, of course, important to consider your lifestyle and any potential limitations when adopting a pet, but with such a variety available, it’s easy to find an animal that’ll slot into your life so seamlessly that you’ll wonder what you ever did without them.

Addressing Elder Loneliness with Abbots Care

At Abbots Care, we’re committed to understanding and addressing signs of loneliness in elderly people ; and we’re eager to use our knowledge and networks to help anyone who may be experiencing elder loneliness.

If you know someone who could benefit from companion care, get in touch today to find out how we can help.