For aging adults, there’s more to living than simply having shelter, food, and medicine. People of all ages require social interaction to remain engaged with the world around them. Given that, how serious are the effects of social isolation for seniors? Here are a few suggestions for warding off isolation and feelings of loneliness in your aging parent.
Physical Effects of Isolation
The foremost effect isolation has on seniors is an increased risk of depression, which carries numerous secondary effects. The most prominent of those effects involve decreased physical and mental health.
Regarding the physical effects, a 2012 study found that seniors who were isolated and felt lonely had an increased mortality rate. A 2010 study found that isolated seniors had elevated systolic blood pressure, which resulted in an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional senior care, Home Care Assistance should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults address their health issues and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.
Mental Effects
The mental effects are more pronounced. Things like an increased risk of dementia, a higher risk of depression, and an elevated risk of unhealthy behaviours such as smoking and drinking were all found to accompany isolation in seniors.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs assistance with daily activities and keeping loneliness at bay. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading Barrie home care service provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Keeping Seniors Active & Social
The good news is that it’s relatively simple to prevent isolation and the feelings it can cause in seniors. You can help your loved one avoid the physical effects and cognitive issues related to loneliness by simply fostering an environment where interaction occurs. For example, consider reaching out to nearby friends and family members, and motivate them to visit regularly with your loved one. Facilitate meetings for your loved one and these individuals to ensure the effects of isolation are minimized.
If your loved one doesn’t live close to friends or family, consider enlisting help from a professional caregiver. A caregiver’s presence and companionship can be just what your loved one needs to maintain a positive outlook and remain motivated.
For families living in Barrie, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your loved one, call us at 647-970-3803 today.