You might not think of loneliness and social isolation as factors in your physical and mental health, but they are. Being socially active is one way you can maintain good overall health, particularly to prevent senior loneliness.
How exactly does being lonely affect your health? Here’s what we know.
Understanding How Loneliness Impacts Health
Feeling alone or being socially isolated may seem like things that would impact your mental health. But in reality, loneliness is an example of an issue that affects both physical and mental health, though its impact wasn’t well-understood until recently.
Loneliness and social isolation are significant problems for many people, both in the United States and across the world. This problem was magnified during the beginning stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, as people stayed at home to protect their health.
A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine found that of people 45 years old and older, a third of them feel lonely. The report also found that a quarter of adults 65 and older are socially isolated.
Those feelings of loneliness and isolation can be dangerous for our health, particularly for older people. The same report revealed that those who are socially isolated are at a higher risk of premature death. Social isolation has also been linked specifically with an increased risk of certain health problems, including dementia, heart disease, stroke and mental illness.
It’s important to note that being socially isolated and feeling lonely are not always connected. Some people who live alone and have little social interaction do not experience persistent loneliness or its long-term effects on their health.
But for others, loneliness may lead to a variety of symptoms that can impact health and well-being, such as an inability to connect with others, a feeling of intense isolation, self-doubt, and feelings of exhaustion or burnout when trying to be social. These symptoms can be dangerous for those with mental health conditions.
How to Avoid Senior Loneliness
There’s a difference between living alone and feeling alone. The key is to find ways to stay engaged with life beyond the walls of your home.
The first and most obvious way to avoid loneliness and social isolation is to find ways to interact with others. Look for chances to spend time outside the home, like visiting a local library, taking regular walks in a nearby park, participating in a community event or even volunteering.
Volunteering may be particularly helpful when it comes to combating loneliness. Not only will it help you stay connected with others, but it will also provide you with a sense of purpose.
You might also want to look into activities at a local senior center or in a similar setting. Senior-focused facilities often set up events that allow you to have a little fun while interacting with others your age.
Being socially active may have an extra benefit. When you’re spending time with others, and outside the home, you’re more likely to be physically active. That’s a double win for your health!
When physical limitations or other reasons prevent you from spending time outside the home, you can invite others to spend time with you at your home. But it’s also OK—and even beneficial—to interact with others online or through video calls. While digital interaction is not a substitute for time spent physically with others, it can help you feel connected and less lonely.
Strike a careful balance, though! Too much time spent online and too little interacting in person can actually increase the risk of loneliness and mental health issues.
What You Can Do for an Older Adult in Your Life
If you have a loved one who lives alone, you can play a role in keeping them more socially and physically active. Older adults may be more likely to spend time outside the home if encouraged to do so by family members.
It’s even better if you’re along for the ride! Spending time with family and friends can help boost your loved one’s overall health and well-being.
If your loved one lives in a senior living community, take time to get to know what activities are available. When you know what’s going on and when, you can encourage them to participate in events that may be of interest.
If you live far away from a cherished older adult, it can be challenging to make sure they are getting social interaction. On your next visit, take time to help your friend or family member make connections—meeting and spending time with neighbors, joining or re-engaging with a club, or finding a local senior center.
What else can you do for an older adult in your life? Make sure they are having regular checkups with a primary care provider. These visits can not only keep an eye on his or her physical and mental health, but can also spot potential problems, such as loneliness, before they become a more significant issue.
More to Read
- How Can Older Adults Have Better Mental Health?
- Fall Prevention: Avoiding Accidents as You Get Older
- 5 Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy as You Age
- 10 Things You Need to Know About Your Aging Parents
Medically reviewed by Jennifer Redding, LCSW-C, Executive Director of Behavioral Health Services at UM Upper Chesapeake Health/Klein Family Center.
