Social isolation affects many older adults in many ways
By Tim Wholf
Everyone needs social connections to survive and thrive. But as people age, they often find themselves spending more time alone. Being alone may leave older adults more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation.
Having become a widespread problems in the United States, studies show that they are associated with higher risks for health problems such as heart disease, depression and cognitive decline.
Loneliness and social isolation are different, but related. Loneliness is feeling alone or disconnected from others. Social isolation is the lack of relationships with others and little to no social support or contact. You can live alone and not feel lonely or socially isolated, and you can feel lonely while being with other people.
Social isolation is not a new issue; it is just a rising issue affecting more older adults which will continue as the population grows. Many older adults are at an increased risk of social isolation and loneliness due to living alone, facing chronic illness, transportation, physical limitations, finances and having lost family and friends.
Loneliness and social isolation have been linked to poorer cognitive function and higher risk for dementia, including and especially for Alzheimer’s Disease. Also, little social activity and being alone most of the time may contribute to a decline in the ability to perform everyday tasks such as driving, paying bills, taking medicine and cooking.
A lack of social interaction and/or loneliness, particularly related to eating meals, has been associated with a lack of desire to cook or eat full meals. Instead, older adults rely on an unbalanced diet of convenient processed foods or they skip meals. Older adults who live alone, perceive themselves to have low social support and are more likely to be food insecure.
If you are feeling isolated or lonely a lot of the time, you may talk to your doctor or health professional. Talking about your health with your doctor means sharing information about how you feel physically, emotionally and mentally. Make sure to let your doctor know about any major changes or stresses in your life, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one. Describing your symptoms can help your doctor identify the problem. They can make suggestions that may be helpful to you.
There are things you can do to protect yourself from the negative effects of loneliness and social isolation. Take care of yourself by exercising, eating healthy, getting enough sleep (seven to nine hours) and pursuing activities you enjoy. It’s also important to stay active and connect with others. People who engage in meaningful, productive activities they enjoy with others feel a sense of purpose and tend to live longer.
One way to stay connected with others is to attend a congregate meal program. Congregate meal programs provide nutritious meals to older adults in accessible group settings at least once a day. Congregate meals offer a variety of benefits, especially for older adults who live alone, including:
- Improved nutrition: Through congregate meals, older adults receive nutritious, well-balanced meals on a regular basis.
- Dietary variety: Congregate meals give older adults the chance to enjoy meals they may not be able to prepare themselves.
- Social connection: Attending congregate meals on a regular basis gives older adults the chance to meet new people, nurture lasting friendships and build a solid support network.
- Greater food security: Having regular access to nutritious food is a vital aspect of overall health. Congregate meal programs help fill the gaps for many older adults.
The Johnson County Area Agency on Aging provides services to assist with social isolation. The AAA has seven congregate locations throughout the county and provides virtual classes and Lunch-n-Learn opportunities. Visit their website, jocogov.org/agingservices or call 913-715-8861 for more information.
Tim Wholf is director of the Johnson County Department of Aging and Human Services.