How Elderlies Can Overcome Loneliness - Useful Tips

How Elderlies Can Overcome Loneliness - Useful Tips

Loneliness is not a small problem as it seems. It is becoming one of the biggest health hazards of our time. It’s found in a survey that one out of every three senior citizens is lonely. Data shows that social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of health complications, including despair, loss of appetite, depression, anxiety, apathy, disturbed sleeping, suicidal feelings etc. leading to dementia, heart disease etc. in older adults. 


Coping With Loneliness: Tips for Seniors To Overcome It


Loneliness is a serious problem among elderly people. Fortunately, it can be dealt with by taking some initiative. Here are some tips, you might find the following helpful.


Adopt a Pet


Having a pet around you gives a feeling of presence and help to combat the feeling of withdrawn loneliness or isolation. Moreover, pet loves unconditionally and caring for them can bring meaning and purpose to your life. You can choose a pet that matches your lifestyle, mobility and choice.


Make Friends


Meeting up with people, making new friends can help you avoid loneliness. At first, you will just be friends but slowly with the pace of time, this friendship can turn into emotional support that is required during old age.


Take Up a New Hobby


Not only hobbies can keep you motivated but also it will give you the opportunity to connect with others who share the same interest. Whether it’s drawing, painting, gardening, writing, puzzles, reading, needlepoint, playing instruments etc., with the endless option available, there might be some that suit your interest. You can take up one to avoid loneliness.


Volunteer


Volunteering your time and talent can help you feel good bringing up the perspective in life. Look for various volunteering organisations or Retired senior citizens program and take part in them. You can also check the nearest senior citizen care centres or hospitals.


Connect digitally


Virtual interaction is also a great way to avoid loneliness by connecting with new people, talking to them and sharing your thoughts. There are quite friendly applications which can be used by the senior citizens.

 

Reminisce


It is found that indulging in enjoyable recollection of past events helps recollect the good old memories letting you forget the present difficulties and sadness. This leads to enhanced mental/emotional health and elderlies will be less likely to feel lonely.


Look Out For The Signs Of Depression


Feeling sad, despair, having suicidal thoughts, loss of appetite, disinclination to make decisions, changes in sleeping pattern, mood swings etc are some signs of depressions. If you are encountering such a problem talk immediately with your health care provider rather than ignoring it.


However, the COVID 19 pandemic has certainly lessened the chances of going out, interacting with people and thus exacerbated social isolation. This has lead to an increase in the feeling of loneliness in most of us and especially the older ones. However, we don’t support and promote going out unless necessary in such uncertain times. Still, there are ways to encourage social interactions while following COVID care guidelines during the pandemic. You also can contact Let Us Care, which serves lonely and isolated elderly in North Cyprus, Turkey.


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