Do you or your aging loved one live alone? This is a reality for many seniors in the United States. While it is possible for older adults to live successfully by themselves, it is important to keep in mind that living alone for a prolonged period of time can result in chronic loneliness and might even cause side effects such as depression and health problems like high blood pressure.
So, how can senior loneliness be prevented?
There is not just one solution. However, moving to a senior living community can help – whether you are interested in making your own transition to independent living, or you think that it would benefit your loved one to move into assisted living. In this blog, we’ll share two main ways in which senior living communities can help reduce senior isolation.
In a senior living community, there are several opportunities to meet new people.
Does this scenario sound like something you or your loved one have experienced?
For years, you have lived in the same place. Maybe your spouse has passed away years ago or your children live in a different city or state. Many of your neighbors have moved, and the main way you connect with those close to you is through a phone call. Only a few times a month and on occasion do you see family and friends.
While you or your loved one may find it easy to continue living alone and occasionally asking for help when needed, it is essential that older adults consistently have a group of individuals around them that they can share their time with.
This is just one of the many reasons why senior living communities are wonderful. They give seniors the ability to connect with their peers on a regular basis and build relationships with one another.
Did you or your loved one used to enjoy knitting or crocheting on the weekends? What about watching an old movie with your friends? In senior living, you or your loved one can participate in these fun hobbies and explore new ones.
Senior living communities often develop calendars filled with a variety of activities for residents to enjoy throughout the month. During these times, you or your loved one can get to know with those in the community. Because many of older adults can share the same interests, it’s easy to strike up a conversation and socialize with others on a regular basis.
If you plan on moving to independent living, seniors aged 70 and up can spend time staying socially active with their peers by exercising together or even enjoying happy hour. These are all great ways to improve one’s social life and can even reduce stress. Family members and friends can still stop by to visit – whether in independent living or assisted living – and continue to spend precious time with you.
In a senior living community, assistance is offered for activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living.
Are you planning on helping a loved one make the transition to assisted living soon? In senior living communities, older adults in assisted living receive help for active of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily Living (IADLs).
ADLs include tasks such as bathing, toileting, and eating, whereas IADLs include tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and managing one’s medications. Because assisted living services usually include skilled nursing care, residents can receive help daily from staff within the community.
If you are wondering how this can help reduce the feeling of loneliness, consider the time your loved one will spend with the nurses. For example, if your mom moves into a community and she receives assistance from two nurses every day, she will likely create a bond with them.
The nurses will not only take care of your mother’s physical needs, but they will also ask how she is doing and check in on her regularly. Instead of living at home by herself, your mom will be able to build a relationship with the people who are taking care of her, which may help her feel less alone, even in a community that may be new to her.
If you’re the caregiver of a parent who will be moving to senior living soon, make sure to encourage them to get to know their neighbors and spend time with others. This can be challenging for some seniors, especially when they have lived on their own for so long, However, it just takes practice!
In all, making the transition to either independent living or assisted living can have positive benefits on physical and mental health. If you or your loved one are in a position where prolonged isolation has turned into chronic loneliness, consider moving to a senior living community to be with peers and receive support.
Sources:
1. Kaplan, Daniel B., and Barbara J. Berkman. “Older Adults Living Alone.” Merck Manuals Professional Edition, MerckmanualsOlder Adults Living Alone – Geriatrics – Merck Manual Professional Edition . Accessed January 2025.
2. “Social Isolation, Loneliness in Older People Pose Health Risks.” National Institute on Aging, NihSocial isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks . Accessed May 2020.