The truth is that human beings are social creatures and relationships are what enable us to survive and thrive. However, as people age, many are left alone at home as their family members move away. This predisposes us to social isolation and loneliness easily. Fortunately, there are ways to counteract these negative effects.
According to a recent study, social isolation and loneliness do not always go together. There’s a good percentage of older adults in the U.S. that live alone but don’t feel lonely or isolated. At the same time, some older adults may feel lonely despite being surrounded by family and friends. With this, research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of health conditions – high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, poor immune system, depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, and even death.
For older adults or seniors living alone and feel isolated or lonely, live-in care is a very good remedy. They will be introduced to engage in meaningful activities that boost their mood and have a sense of purpose. Having a professional caregiver at home helps seniors maintain their well-being and improve their cognitive function.
Having a companion at home can help seniors be reminded of their hobbies and interests and will definitely make them do these things safely and more often. Performing simple activities like doing household chores with someone, like the ones offered by our home care provider in Pennsylvania, can alleviate the senior’s lost sense of purpose. Having meaningful conversations with a companion at home will also be a significant help.
If you are struggling with social isolation and loneliness, it’s time to ask for help. Call our non-medical home care in York Pennsylvania – Curantis Home Care – today.