By Iris Farrou
05 Aug, 2022
Geriatric Mental Health, Lifestyle Tips, Mental Health, Prevention, Uncategorized, Women's Health
aging parents, Depression, Depression symptoms, Elderly, Geriatric, isolation, Loneliness, Mental Health, Socialization
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.
More
Loneliness and isolation occurs when an individual lacks social connection. Whether the lack of connection is unintentional or desired, it can lead to mental health disorders.
Loneliness can start in childhood; children that who are not talked to may develop depression and learning disabilities. As adolescents hit their teenage years issues with loneliness can grow due to stress from peer pressure, mental and physical development, and school expectations. In teens, loneliness is typically associated with emotional changes such as feeling isolated, feeling worthless, low self-esteem, and trouble concentrating. If left untreated, these issues can develop into depression or anxiety disorders.
The issues with loneliness continue with age, as around 25% of adults report they are lonely and have no one to confide in. Additionally, loneliness in adults can led to a higher risk of depression, addiction, suicide, weight gain, hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and other illness.
Loneliness is also a concern for many aging seniors (55+). According to an AARP initiative, contributing factors that lead to isolation include poor mental and physical health, loss of spouses and friends, and isolated living conditions. Many seniors have a lack of mobility or transportation which limits their social interaction with others.
While the interactions online appear to be combating loneliness, it’s not always the case. Online interactions offer a contrived social setting, which is not a replacement for actual in person socialization.
The first step to combating loneliness is to work on interpersonal skills. Many people shy away from social interactions or develop social anxiety because they lack communication skills. Breaking isolation means breaking out of a comfort zone. While therapy and counseling are a good place to start, smaller initiatives can help pave the way to become involved in social settings. Ask a co-worker out for coffee, ask an acquaintance to take a walk, or join a community or online group.
Once you get more comfortable talking to strangers, look for a fitness activity that you enjoy. Exercising is decreases stress, creates more energy, and boosts your mood, while also serving as a good way to interact with people.
Another way to beat loneliness is to find a cause to volunteer for or a local group that needs support. Not only will you get out and interact with people, which could lead to making new friends, but you will be doing something good for society.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/teen-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20350985
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