Seniors & Social Isolation
Older people find themselves alone much more often than when they were young. People over the age of 65 are more likely to experience loneliness and social isolation due to factors such as living alone without transportation, the death of a spouse, or chronic illness.
There are a significant number of older adults suffering from social isolation. Nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. A lonely senior is more likely to smoke, drink excessively, and neglect physical activity.
Health Risks of Social Isolation in Seniors
A 2021 Consumer Affairs survey on loneliness found more than 14.7 million seniors (5 million men and 9.7 million women) live alone. Not all that live alone are lonely, however, studies show most are. It is also important to note that loneliness is often undiagnosed in contrast to mental health disorders such as depression. Loneliness does not cause diseases, but it can make diseases and vulnerability much worse. Loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of dementia by 50%. People experiencing loneliness and being socially isolated may have weakened immune systems that make it more difficult to fight off illnesses.
- Stroke: Risk increases by 32%
- Heart disease: Risk increases by 29%
- Mental health disorders: Risk increases by 26%
- Premature mortality: Risk increases by 26%
The health effects of loneliness are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes each day.
At College Street Health Care Center, our activities department ensures there’s no time for loneliness. Our compassionate nursing team and our activities director find ways to ensure all of our residents are engaged, festive, and active. Whether making gingerbread houses, crafting, playing mind enmind-enhancement sharing memories, or celebrating birthdays, our goal is to make sure our residents’ lives are fulfilled.
