Hadar Swersky - Loneliness can affect the elderly adults in a negative way

1. How loneliness can affect the elderly adults in a negative way? Among the numerous health concerns that can ensue seniors, loneliness is one of the most frequent and least discussed. With aging come a number of factors that add to isolation and loneliness, such as the deaths of partners and close friends, family members moving away, and the start of incapacitating illnesses. Worse, loneliness itself can cause a number of health-related problems for seniors, including depression, increased risk mortality, dementia care, cognitive decline, high blood pressure, and a number of other conditions. The biggest contributing factor to senior loneliness is living alone. But, there are several other factors that can lead to isolation and loneliness in seniors. These factors include: Children moving away The death of one’s spouse The deterioration of a friend network (often due to death) A change in living environment The fear of going out and incurring an injury Illness (particularly dementia) The fear of becoming a burden Difficulty communicating (i.e. language barriers and hearing problems) Each of these factors can result in increased loneliness in seniors. Increased loneliness can, as a result, lead to a number of serious health effects.

2. Enhanced Risk of Cognitive Decline and Dementia As a mental condition, loneliness has a number of negative effects on mental health. In seniors, these effects are mostly seen as cognitive decline and the onset of several forms of dementia. Loneliness is a risk factor for, and may contribute to, faster cognitive decline, poorer overall cognitive performance, and the onset of dementia. Reduced Physical and Mental Health Loneliness has a direct connection to both physical and mental health and this connection is not a good one. Seniors who feel lonely and isolated are more likely to report also having poor physical and/or mental health. While the link between loneliness and overall health are still being explored by the medical community, one thing is clear: Loneliness has a harmful effect on health in a number of ways. Increased Risk of High Blood Pressure It has been found that loneliness in older adults an increase systolic blood pressure over a 4-year period. These increases in blood pressure were independent of ethnicity, race, gender, and other possible contributing factors. With the negative health effects of loneliness now clear, it is evident that addressing loneliness is essential in maintaining the health and well-being of any senior individual. In many cases, the first step to addressing loneliness is recognizing it. If you believe that a senior in your life may be struggling with loneliness, search for these signs and symptoms: Loss of interest in hobbies, socializing, or other daily activities Sadness or feelings of despair Sleep disturbances and memory problems Lack of energy or motivation Neglect of personal hygiene and other routines Unexplained or aggravated aches and pains While loneliness can be detrimental to health, it can also be alleviated through a number of activities and treatments. For most seniors, the increased presence of people is all that is required to alleviate loneliness. This can be achieved in a number of ways, including scheduling regular outings and visits with friends and family, volunteering, attending senior activities in the community, and making the move to an independent or assisted living community.