Loneliness is a complex emotion we experience throughout our lives. As we transition into a senior living community, continuing care retirement community, or a senior assisted living home, we may find new sources of loneliness. Changes in social circles, health, mobility, or even the simple burdens of moving can spark feelings of senior isolation.
The causes are vast, and so are the impacts on our mental and physical health. However, there is hope. Senior isolation can be treated. Support groups for lonely seniors, senior community activities, and simple exercises can combat the effects of social isolation on seniors.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the causes of social isolation in seniors, the impact of loneliness on seniors, and how to address them. By spotting the signs of loneliness in seniors, we can work together to create a welcoming community and fulfilling life.
Loneliness in Seniors: Statistics and Facts
If you or a loved one is experiencing loneliness or senior isolation, understand that you are not alone. Researchers found that loneliness tends to peak in early adulthood and again in seniors. While these studies cite common causes of social isolation in seniors, like reduced social circles, widowhood, and declining health, loneliness is multifaceted.
The University of Michigan surveyed seniors ranging from age 65 to 80. Senior isolation was more common among those who reported fair or poor mental health (77%) compared to those who reported better mental health (29%). They also found senior isolation was more common among those with fair or poor physical health (55% vs. 19%). This suggests that loneliness is not simply a feeling but is deeply intertwined with our mental and physical health.
Is senior loneliness on the rise as a whole? Well, loneliness in seniors statistics has mixed results. The COVID-19 pandemic elevated seniors and loneliness. As of 2023, 37% of seniors reported senior isolation. That is lower than the 2020 peak of 56%. However, senior isolation is still higher than its pre-pandemic (2018) results of 27%.
Causes of Social Isolation in Seniors
Those loneliness in seniors statistics illustrate the vastness of senior isolation as a whole. However, everyone is unique and can experience loneliness from diverse causes. As that University of Michigan survey suggested, loneliness is often an indicator of a deeper, intertwined problem.
Here are some of the most common causes of social isolation in seniors.
- Living alone: Around 18% of adults over 65 live alone. In fact, some studies suggest that seniors living alone experience higher rates of loneliness compared to those in a senior living community.
- Loss of family or friends: These losses can generate periods of mourning, which lead to senior isolation.
- Chronic Health Conditions and Disabilities: These can range from declining mobility to difficulty hearing, making socializing harder. Humans are inherently social creatures; being unable to follow conversations or participate in physical activities leads to senior isolation.
- Transportation challenges: Some effects of aging, such as declining eyesight, can make driving unsafe and difficult.
- Being part of Marginalized Groups: LGBTQIA+ seniors, immigrants, or seniors of minority faiths may feel like outcasts in certain regions. However, many retirement communities sponsor support groups for lonely seniors.
- Retirement: Leaving the workforce changes our social circles. It is much easier to socialize when you and all your co-workers meet after work.
- Geographic Isolation: If a loved one lives alone on the other side of the country, then it is very difficult to support them and their needs. Additionally, living in a rural area— while beautiful and serene— may lead to senior isolation.
- Technological Challenges: The immediate reaction to the COVID-19 Pandemic was to use technology to communicate. However, its challenging nature further exacerbates the causes of social isolation in seniors.
Signs of Loneliness in Seniors
What should you look for in your relatives, neighbors, or friends? How can we spot the signs of loneliness in seniors so we can ease the impact of social isolation on the seniors? Here are some common signs of loneliness in seniors.
- Changes in eating: Senior isolation can lead to skipping meals, loss of appetite, or an increase in appetite.
- Lack of interest in formerly enjoyed activities: Senior isolation can spark feelings of depression, ennui, and disinterest in things they used to love.
- Difficulty concentrating and communicating: Some may experience trouble focusing on a task at hand or holding a conversation.
- Varying moods: We cannot see what someone is experiencing internally, but we can see the emotional effects of social isolation on seniors. Easily being flustered, sudden mood swings, unusual sadness, and increased irritability can be signs of senior isolation.
- Disinterest in ordinary, everyday tasks: A senior living independently may be capable of taking out the trash, checking the mail, doing laundry, etc. However, senior isolation may lead them to neglect themselves, their senior home, and their health.
- Reliance on media: Our lack of socialization may trigger us to find social warmth in TV shows, movies, and other media.
- Separation anxiety: What may appear as “clingy” behavior or over-involvement in others’ lives may actually stem from senior isolation.
- Social Withdrawal: Loneliness is self-perpetuating and is often linked to depression and anxiety. Feelings of loneliness may trigger a negative feedback loop, further reinforcing senior isolation.
Impact of Social Isolation on Seniors
The impact of loneliness on seniors is cognitive, mental, and physical. Loneliness is deeply intertwined with depression and anxiety. The presence of one feeds the others. One of the first effects of social isolation on seniors is social withdrawal. Depression paints lies in our minds, so a normal social outing might appear painful. Or our anxiety tells us we’re unwanted despite the fact we were invited. These signs of loneliness in seniors compound each other and can lead to a loss of purpose and identity.
Studies have found that senior isolation can increase one’s risk of developing dementia by 20% to 50%. The “how” behind this link is not fully understood and may be a product of inactivity and stress. Some have even compared loneliness to known dementia risk factors like diabetes. Thankfully, the reverse is true for seniors and loneliness. Seniors who feel satisfied or even supported in their relationship have a 23% to 55% lower risk of dementia!
The physical impact of loneliness on seniors is wide-ranging, multifaceted, and interconnected. The simple feeling of loneliness can lead us to inactivity and unhealthy coping behaviors like drinking and smoking. Seniors experiencing senior isolation tend to have weakened immune systems and high blood pressure. This can make us more susceptible to infections and various cardiovascular diseases. Loneliness in seniors statistics illustrate a 29% higher risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke. Most disturbingly, all these factors can result in premature death.
How to Reduce Loneliness in Seniors
The best way to reduce senior isolation and mitigate the impact of loneliness on seniors is with a multifaceted approach. Just as the causes of social isolation in seniors are intertwined, so should the treatment. Of course, everyone is different. Someone might excel at using technology to bridge the gap with their extended family. At the same time, others enjoy support groups for lonely seniors.
Ways Seniors Can Overcome Loneliness.
Physical activities like exercise can relieve the impact of loneliness on seniors.
Let’s start with exercising because it can mitigate feelings of depression and anxiety, making it easier to break out of the cycle of senior isolation. If you have a senior loved one who lives alone, try starting with walks. Simple, daily walks can do wonders for our mental health. If you can be there with them, then you can start the habit of getting them out of their senior housing. Who knows, you might reconnect with neighbors and start growing those relationships. Daily walks can increase their endurance, helping them be more open to other activities like gardening.
Retirement communities offer a wide range of active senior programs, from Tai Chi to dance; there is something for everyone, regardless of abilities. Dance exercises are particularly good because many of their health benefits combat the negative effects of social isolation on seniors. Explore the options around your senior living community. You might discover a walking club or a yoga class.
Cogir’s senior living care communities are supported by passionate partners providing a wide range of active senior programs. For example, residents of many Cogir communities enjoy therapy animals that help them with their physical therapy.
Active programs may start as a way to address senior isolation but can blossom into a committed team. Tribute at One Loudoun hosts competitive chair volleyball, complete with team spirit and friendly competition.
Participating in social clubs or group activities.
It can be hard to start engaging with social groups, especially when we’ve been in senior isolation for a while. If you live close to your senior relative, you can start by inviting them to your events. Invite them to Sunday dinner or a family game night. If your loved one lives alone in a rural senior home, you might have to make your own social group. Host a barbecue and invite the neighbors. Tell your senior relative to relax and rekindle their relationships with their neighbors.
Retirement communities excel at social groups and fun activities. Residents can explore passions and interests among like-minded people. They can bond over books and movies in their respective clubs. They can work alongside friends as they grow flowers in the community gardens.
Retirement communities may be known for certain activities, like Mahjong or bingo, but there is much more to explore. You can also learn new skills across various classes. Cooking, technology, and art classes are all done in a group setting, promoting collaboration and companionship. For example, if you’ve always enjoyed singing, you can join the Cogir Choir or a senior music program.
Many senior living care communities host field trips and excursions. They may be taking shopping trips to the local mall or going on outings to parks and museums. For example, Cogir of Kent collaborates with the city to sponsor the Kent Wine Walk. It is a downtown event featuring wine tastings and local food samples. That’s the beauty of a senior living community; you can explore things you have never had the opportunity to do before.
Using technology to address senior isolation.
If you’re geographically separated from your senior loved one, it can be hard to support them. When you visit them, you can try to use technology to your advantage. Show them how to use FaceTime or Zoom. Write down the instructions so they’ll have guidance when you’re not there. Of course, technology can be challenging, so keep it simple and straightforward. Some senior living care communities host tech classes to help residents learn the basics.
Start out by making weekly video calls. This will keep those technological skills fresh in their minds while alleviating senior isolation. You can then expand your loved one network by inviting other relatives to the video calls. If you have cousins in different states, try contacting them and setting up a video call. You can help your senior loved one rekindle those family connections, and you get the opportunity to see distant family members more often.
Mental Health Services and support networks.
The prevalence of support groups for lonely seniors will vary by region. Check with your local senior center or recreation center to see what they offer. However, many seniors may be more comfortable seeking social support from a church group. Churchs can greatly alleviate the effects of social isolation on seniors by getting them involved in the community through events, volunteering, and group activities.
Everything we’ve discussed so far can benefit from mental health services. Individual counseling, what many people think of as “talk therapy,” can help anyone process their feelings of loneliness. Therapy could be its own blog topic. However, we understand that many people, regardless of generation, are apprehensive about therapy. It may take some time to become comfortable with a therapist, but it is worth it in the long run. They can pinpoint the root causes of social isolation in seniors and address them directly.
Many Cogir retirement communities provide mental health services. For example, Cadence at Olney invites a psychologist to meet with residents monthly. Having on-site support can make all the difference in combating senior isolation. Many other retirement communities provide support groups for lonely seniors by sponsoring representative groups. Cogir retirement communities support multiple faiths. Cogir Senior Living is also committed to providing a safe place for seniors in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Conclusion
Loneliness is a complex emotion that will affect us differently throughout our lives. No single activity is a magic cure to forever solve our loneliness. However, these resources and activities are stepping stones that lead us to community and an enriching life.
By understanding the causes and signs of loneliness, recognizing its impact, and implementing practical solutions, seniors can lead more connected and fulfilling lives. Encouraging social interaction, staying active, and seeking support from family, friends, and community resources are essential steps in overcoming loneliness.
About Cogir Senior Living
What sets Cogir apart is the company’s devoted approach to creating healthy, vibrant communities that offer residents exceptional independent living, assisted living, and memory care lifestyle options. Cogir Senior Living develops, owns, and/or operates 64+ lifestyle communities throughout the United States.
