Elders and Social Interaction
Our physical and mental health is directly connected to regular, healthy, and enjoyable
socialization with friends and family, colleagues, people who share our hobbies and interests…
With COVID-19 severely affecting our socialization levels, many found themselves with
increased loneliness, anxiety, and depression—thus bringing down their immune system and
overall physical health. However, it is a harsh truth that elders suffered from isolating and social
distancing extremely more than younger people.
Unfortunately, elder isolation and loneliness is not solely a COVID-related phenomenon. A
study by UCSF found that more than 40% of seniors regularly experience loneliness. The same
study also drew direct connections between loneliness, serious health issues, and death among
the elderly population. One can only imagine how much worse this got during COVID isolation.
Health Issues
Individuals with low social interaction levels are more likely to suffer from anxiety and
depression, and experts have found direct links between loneliness and suicide. Senior
individuals with limited social lives have also been found to suffer from worsened dementia and
Alzheimer’s disease—or rapid progression compared to elders with a rich social life—coronary
artery disease, heart failure, and increased risk of stroke.
Benefits of Socialization
The good news is that socializing helps combat most, if not all, of the health issues loneliness
creates. A social life can benefit elders because it:
- Increases mental awareness: when we interact with others, we remain connected to the
outside world and keep our cognitive abilities sharpened. After all, the brain is a muscle. - Fights anxiety and depression: though these may be chronic conditions, socializing helps
keep anxiety and depression at bay—especially if both are related to ageing. At the very
least, it proves that others care and helps build a community. - Support system: elder socialization reminds us there is a community of same-aged
people, as well as friends and family, who are present for emotional and physical help. - Physical discomfort relief: though physical pain can be very sharp, socialization provides
a break from a lonely routine, gets us going, and takes our mind off of aches—even for a
little while.
Overall, elder socialization not only creates a healthier quality of life and has the potential to
extend life. With technology seniors can be closer to their loved ones much more easily: daily
use of social media, adopting a pet for companionship, utilizing companion services, trying to
enjoy meals socially, participating in local activities (if possible) and ensuring reliable
transportation are just some of the ways that eliminate elder social isolation.