Help the Elderly Avoid Social Isolation
Conversely, loneliness, and social isolation have been clearly linked to poor health outcomes. Numerous studies have shown that socially isolated seniors even have a shorter life expectancy.
Social isolation among seniors is alarmingly common and will continue to increase in prevalence as the older population grows unless we mitigate and help change the cycle.
Considering the demonstrated risks and the increasing prevalence of this issue, it’s certainly worth addressing how we can promote social integration at the larger social level.
Here are ways that are helping us to promote social health and connectedness of our Seniours:
Transportation
Lack of adequate transportation is a primary cause of social isolation. Because many seniors do not drive, in other regions they have never owned a car leave alone finding transportation locally, this is a big issue for them, so anything that helps seniors get around and make independent choices about travel promotes their social health.
We Promote Hobbies
Many Seniors with a sense of purpose or hobbies that really interest them are less likely to succumb to the negative effects of social isolation. Hobbies and interests are inherently social in nature. we promote and assist in anything that involves mingling in a group.
We Encourage Religious Seniors to Maintain Attendance at their Places of Worship
For the Elderly who have been regular churchgoers, this weekly social connection has been shown to be quite beneficial. Older church goers not only benefit from the social interaction and sense of purpose that weekly worship provides, but they also benefit from the watchful eye of other churchgoers.
We Give to the Elderly a Pet or Plant to Take Care Of
The act of nurturing can relieve feelings of social isolation. Pet owners remain engaged socially, have less depression, suffer less loneliness, feel more secure, have more motivation for constructive use of time and require less medication than non-pet owners. Tending a garden has proved to satisfy our Seniors nurturing drive, so we give them plants or gardens to keep them busy