Nearly three in 10 American seniors live alone, according to the National Institute on Aging. There’s nothing wrong with seniors maintaining their independence, but it’s important to recognize the benefits of socializing for seniors and the hazards of neglecting the social aspect of senior life.
We are social animals by nature, so we tend to function better when we are in a community setting and around others. Unfortunately, seniors are more likely to isolate or experience loneliness than the rest of the population. A recent geriatric study found that 43% of seniors regularly experience loneliness. Further, as seniors get older, their risk of isolation increases.
Isolation can affect nearly every aspect of a senior’s life. In addition to the effects on mood and mental health, isolation often leads to physical deterioration. Lonely and isolated seniors show higher rates of poor physical and mental health; those with limited social lives are more likely to experience hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiac failure, depression, anxiety and dementia. Social isolation has also been associated with unhealthy behaviors such as physical inactivity and smoking.
It’s important to understand the potential health risks for seniors who are susceptible to social isolation. In a recent CDC publication, a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine concluded that social isolation significantly increased a person’s risk of premature death from all causes. This risk may rival the risks of smoking, obesity and physical inactivity, especially for older adults. In this study, loneliness and social isolation were associated with approximately a 50% increased risk of dementia, a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.
The mental health benefits of socialization in seniors are many. Mental health has received increasing attention in the past decades, especially as it relates to health overall. Seniors represent a particularly vulnerable population when it comes to mental health concerns. Depression has an especially serious impact on seniors with ongoing medical conditions. Depression has been shown to worsen disability, increase the severity of chronic illness, raise mortality rates, and cause suffering for seniors and their families.
Fortunately, socialization has been shown to be one of the most effective ways for seniors to improve their mental health. Spending quality time with others can just feel good for the soul. Ever left a gathering with friends and felt refreshed and jovial? According to the American Public Health Association, socialization improves mood, cognition, memory recall, and is associated with healthy behaviors. Connecting with family and friends through games like bingo and cards, and other activities has a profound effect on the mental health of seniors.
To prevent the negative effects of loneliness and isolation, it’s important for seniors (and their loved ones) to be proactive about staying engaged throughout the day.
Want to enjoy the benefit of getting together with others? Come out of the cold and enjoy Coffee Monday/Grounds for Discussion on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 10 a.m. at The Dale Association, 33 Ontario St., Lockport. Fresh brew and pastries are provided along with facilitated conversation with others. At a recent Grounds for Discussion get together, two participants connected and discovered they grew up in the same neighborhood in Buffalo — and brought in photos to share with each other. The next Coffee Monday is Feb. 12. Please let us know you are coming by calling 716-433-1886 to reserve a spot. It is free to attend.