What Are the Effects of Loneliness on Seniors?

Loneliness is a problem that seniors often don’t expect when they make the decision to age in place. Family members may live farther away, seniors may suddenly live alone, or other factors may change their socialization opportunities. Loneliness has some big impacts on many areas of life for seniors. Understanding how that’s true allows families to employ solutions like home care services to reduce loneliness.

Reduced Mental Health

An immediate effect of loneliness is how it impacts mental health. Seniors who are lonely often feel more anxious and depressed. They may feel sad more often and many also lose interest in activities they used to love. If the loneliness continues, the mental health impacts continue to grow. Spending time with elder care providers helps seniors feel less lonely because they have people to talk to and to spend time around.

Bigger Risk of Cognitive Decline

Cognitive health has a lot more to do with social engagement than most people realize. When seniors are more socially isolated, they’re more likely to have trouble with memory loss. Much of this has to do with mental health issues, which often have symptoms that include memory issues and cognitive changes. Over time, the risk is bigger that these changes cause permanent changes in how the brain works.

Higher Risks of Chronic Illnesses

Loneliness doesn’t just affect the brain. It also affects the body. When seniors are spending too much time alone, they’re far more likely to experience chronic illness. This is often related to reduced self-care as well as anxiety and stress that affect the body’s ability to stay healthy. Home care providers can help seniors to pay closer attention to self-care and to doing the right things for their health.

Reduced Sleep Quality

Depression, anxiety, loneliness, and stress all affect sleep in negative ways. When seniors aren’t getting the rest they need, it affects every area of their lives. They’re more likely to have trouble making decisions, thinking properly, and caring for themselves. That all leads to more permanent issues down the road. Working with home care assistance allows seniors to take the time they need to rest and helps them establish routines that support good sleep hygiene.

Reduced Physical Activity

All of the above issues can often contribute to seniors being less physically active. Seniors already are at a higher risk of losing muscle mass, and reduced physical activity further affects mobility. Increasing physical activity within safe limits helps seniors to be healthier overall and home care providers can help seniors put together daily routines that include moving more. Seniors should always talk to their doctors about what types of exercise they should consider. Their doctors can also help them to determine how much exercise is healthy for them.

Combatting loneliness is a lot easier when seniors have the support they need. Home care providers get to know the people they care for and find solutions that work for their individual needs. Getting the right emotional support makes a huge difference in how well seniors are able to age in place comfortably and without experiencing loneliness or isolation.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Brentwood, CA, please contact the caring staff at Provident Care Home Care today at (209) 578-1210.