Many seniors become reclusive as they grow older, and that social isolation can negatively impact almost every aspect of life, which is why caregivers and family members need to promote social activities and nurture their relationships with their aging loved ones. Here’s a quick look at just a few of the devastating side effects of long-term isolation and some steps you can take to make sure your loved one remains socially engaged.
1. Higher Rates of Anxiety
In addition to being a psychological problem, anxiety can also impact a senior’s physical health. Untreated anxiety often results in issues such as high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and general inflammation. When seniors feel ignored or isolated, they have a much greater risk of developing clinical anxiety, and one of the best ways to combat that issue is to make sure they have empathetic and diligent caregivers.
2. Increased Risk of Depression
Much like anxiety, untreated depression can affect physical health and emotional wellbeing. Some of the most common signs of depression include limited energy, changes in sleep habits, an inability to concentrate, and a loss of appetite. Spending time with your loved one can reduce the risk of depression, but you might want to contact a therapist or counselor if you’ve recently noticed any of these symptoms.
Social activity is only one of many components that contribute to robust mental and physical health in seniors. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of at-home care. You can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
3. Lack of Help During an Emergency
Hundreds of thousands of seniors are injured in their homes every year, and these accidents can result in life-altering health issues. A caregiver can call emergency services right away if your loved one is injured, but you should consider investing in a medical alert device as well. Your loved one can use one of these devices to immediately contact emergency services if he or she is injured when no one is around.
4. Risk of Sudden Cognitive Decline
One of the most unusual side effects of social isolation is a higher risk of sudden cognitive decline. Many studies from around the world have shown that seniors need to socialize as often as possible if they want to maintain their mental faculties. Scheduling weekly family dinners, hosting game nights, and volunteering are all great options for seniors who would like to socialize more.
Seniors living with cognitive decline due to age-related dementia often find it challenging to care for themselves on their own. Caring for seniors with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Pearland families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores.
5. Higher Likelihood of Obesity
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine revealed a link between social isolation and obesity. Seniors who live on their own often remain sedentary throughout the day, and many of them have very unhealthy diets. At the very least, you should try to stop by your loved one’s home a few times a week to drop off some healthy meals and snacks. Seniors who don’t practice healthy lifestyles could develop serious illnesses, making it a challenge to care for themselves on their own.
6. Greater Chance of Malnourishment
When left untreated, malnourishment increases the risk of several medical complications. Having the occasional treat is perfectly fine for the average senior, but aging adults’ diets should primarily consist of nutrient-dense foods. If you believe your loved one might be malnourished, you need to speak with a nutritionist or doctor about helping your loved one maintain a healthy diet.
Social isolation can result in mental, emotional, and physical challenges for aging adults, but seniors don’t have to manage them alone. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Pearland families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call today.
