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Loneliness is the distressing feeling of being alone or separated, regardless of the amount of social contact. It can negatively impact the health condition of our elders, both physically and emotionally. The long-term effects of loneliness in the elderly can be devastating and may lead to serious health risks and psychological problems, such as depression, anxiety, heart disease, and even death.

Prolonged loneliness can be as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, making it even more dangerous than obesity. It is predominant among the elderly, especially during holidays, an AARP study reveals.

Unfortunately, loneliness among the elderly is a growing epidemic. According to a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), more than one-third of adults aged 45 & above feel lonely and about one-fourth of adults aged 65 & above are socially isolated.

Loneliness and social isolation may appear closely related but this is not always the case. It is possible that an elderly person feels lonely despite being surrounded by family and friends, and vice-versa.

Today, loneliness is affecting the health and quality of life in a significant number of elderly people in America.

The Reasons and Health Risks of Loneliness in the Elderly

Humans are social animals. Our family, friendships, and social connections are more than just pleasures; we need them to survive.

According to a study, lonely people are 50% more likely to die prematurely than people with healthy social connections. Many reports connect social isolation and loneliness with an increased risk of premature mortality.

Maintaining active socialization status can become extremely difficult for elder adults at times. Major life events such as the death of a spouse or partner, distance from friends & relatives, retirement, chronic illness, or lack of transportation, limited mobility, etc. may increase their vulnerability to the feeling of loneliness. Elderly people who are under-socialized or un-socialized altogether are more likely to experience loneliness, which can lead to a decline in cognitive functions, including decision-making, memory, and language control. A study has shown the association between loneliness and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Loneliness in the elderly can be fatal as well. Studies suggest that loneliness in the elderly raises the risk of various health problems, including high blood pressure, depression, and cognitive decline. It weakens the body’s immunity, increasing the risk of diseases. It also increases inflammation in the body, which contributes to bad heart health and other chronic illnesses.

Lack of companionship or emotional support can cause the elderly to bury their negative feelings inside, compounding their sense of loneliness and isolation, which in return, increases the risk of developing serious health issues. Prolonged bouts of loneliness may also cause anxiety in the elderly, which could arise due to the uncertainty or fear of not receiving help in a crisis.

Lonely seniors are also more likely to engage in negative self-care habits. They may stop cooking or having balanced meals, or begin to make bad lifestyle choices, such as drinking, smoking, and living a sedentary life.

Studies have shown that such elderly adults tend to be more pessimistic about life as compared to social seniors. Without meaningful social interaction, it often becomes difficult for them to self-motivate. Feelings of dullness and disinterest may take over and activities that they previously enjoyed doing may become less or not enjoyable at all. Seniors who socialize, keep themselves engaged in meaningful, productive activities, and have a sense of purpose, tend to live longer.

How Companion Care Can Help Combating Loneliness in Elderly?

An AARP survey shows that 3 out of 4 elderly adults intend to stay in the comfort of their home and communities as they age. Ageing at home has its own benefits. A familiar space can reduce stress triggers for seniors and also save them money otherwise spent on moving into a retirement or a long-term care facility.

Since living alone can increase the feeling of loneliness in the elderly, a viable solution that allows seniors to maintain their routine life without risking their independence is the need of the hour.

Seniors companion care is an in-home caregiving service that helps combating loneliness in elderly and provides the assistance they need for ageing safely and comfortably.

Scheduling regular visits from a companion caregiver keep seniors mentally fit and active and gives them something to look forward to every day. Regular companionship promotes socialization and conversation while also meeting their social, psychological, and emotional needs.

A companion caregiver performs a range of basic tasks and activities that many seniors find hard to do on their own. Seniors companion care services also include assistance in light housekeeping duties, grocery shopping, picking up medications, preparing regular meals, and other everyday activities that can make an elderly adult’s life more manageable and convenient.

Such companion caregiving services are a great choice for combating loneliness in elderly who are in good shape but need a bit of help to remain at home. Companion caregivers may also act as partners for favorite hobbies and activities of the elders, engage in friendly conversations, and even take senior clients to doctor’s appointments and social outings.

Having a companion caregiver is not the end of independence; it is rather a step towards extending and enhancing your quality of life and staying at home for longer. Compassionate care by experienced caregivers can help the elderly get life back on track and feel their best. Your senior loved one can get service at par with a nursing home or an assisted senior living facility from the comfort of their home.

Ambassadors Caregivers provides comprehensive companion care services to combat “an epidemic of loneliness” among seniors. A team of well-trained, talented, and compassionate caregivers can offer the much-needed companionship to help the elderly overcome loneliness and isolation while assisting with errands so they can age in place and enjoy the golden years of their lives in peace and tranquillity. Our trained caregivers can help with everything from grooming to transportation to medication management. Get started by helping us tailor a care plan for your senior loved one’s unique needs and preferences!