How the “Loneliness Epidemic” Could Affect Your Parent
Researchers have identified a new epidemic striking the United States, but it’s not caused by a virus. Instead, it’s caused by people spending too much time alone, and it’s called the “Loneliness Epidemic.” AARP conducted a survey of over 3,000 people over the age of 45 and discovered that 35 percent of them suffered from chronic loneliness. The numbers are alarming because of the profound effect loneliness can have on physical and mental health.
Why Are More People Lonely?
In excess of one fourth of the American population lives alone. Research suggests that people are becoming less socially connected. People are sometimes quick to blame technology for the lack of connection, but Psychology Today suggests that social isolation may have more to do with the individualistic culture of the United States. In other words, Americans prefer to think of themselves as unique and independent.
Unfortunately, as people age, this need for independence can be detrimental. Seniors sometimes find themselves socially isolated when health conditions and mobility issues make it difficult for them to get out of their houses. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help or worry that their adult children will think they are incapable of caring for themselves. In addition, older adults tend to lose contact with friends and find it harder to make connections with new people.
How Does Loneliness Affect Health?
Experts suggest that loneliness may actually be more dangerous to a person’s health than obesity. In fact, they say that loneliness raises the risk of an early death by a greater rate than any other factor.
Loneliness may increase the risk for the following conditions:
-High blood pressure.
-Diabetes.
-Sleep disorders.
-Alzheimer’s disease.
-Weakened immune system.
Loneliness can also cause stress.
-Over time, chronic stress can take a toll on a person’s mental health. People who are chronically lonely may have trouble controlling their emotions or feel threatened by people they do not know. This causes them to withdraw, even more, making it harder and harder to break free from loneliness.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Loneliness?
The best way to prevent loneliness is to maintain social connections. If the older adult in your life is spending too much time alone, an elder care provider can help them to stay connected with other people. In fact, an elder care provider is a social connection, giving the senior someone to talk to and spend time with. Elder care providers can also provide transportation for seniors to get to places where group activities are available, such as the local senior center, a fitness center, or a church.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering homecare in Dothan, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.
Sources
https://medlineplus.gov/news/fullstory_167643.html
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20170807/loneliness-epidemic-named-a-public-health-threat
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/feeling-it/201706/the-loneliness-epidemic-and-what-we-can-do-about-it
http://www.aarp.org/personal-growth/transitions/info-09-2010/all_the_lonely_people.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3016701/
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