Now a days, it is easier to keep in contact with anyone, anywhere in the world through text, email or a wide selection of web based communication tools. The saddest part is that some people are more alone than ever. We spend more time in front of screens than we do with each other. No age group experiences loneliness than the elderly. 18 percent of seniors live alone and 43 percent report that they feel alone on a daily basis. Lonely seniors are more likely to age faster. Studies have shown that once an elderly admits to loneliness, their health takes a 45 percent increase for bad health.
While the statistics above are not positive, there are ways to engage isolated people, especially the elderly, with mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Learn their experiences – Seniors have a wealth of experience that they’re anxious to pass down to their families.
- Listen and observe – Ask them to express themselves. Build their self worth by listening to what they have to say.
- Provide a friend at Home – Supplying a caregiver, or a friend at home, provides regular social interaction, companionship and mental stimulation.
- Stay in Touch – The smallest gesture can mean the most. If we can’t see them every day, then call them; send them a card or a bouquet of flowers. Make a gesture to remind them that they are thought of.
The above small steps and making the effort to stay connected results in living longer and healthier lives.
President of iCare Home Health Services, a community based, boutique home health care company dedicated to serving the needs of our customers to maintain their quality of life and dignity while they recover from illness or age at the comfort of their own home.
