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Vicky Gemme — Social isolation can harm the mental and physical health of seniors.
Social isolation can harm the mental and physical health of seniors; this is no secret. It can be particularly challenging around Valentine’s Day as feelings of guilt, remorse, and old memories can be felt.
However, interactions with peers, time spent with family, and community support systems prevent senior isolation. This will also lead to improved physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Knowing how to create these social situations is a good idea, even on Valentine’s Day. Fortunately, there are practical approaches you can take.
In Florida, roughly one-quarter of the state’s population will be over 65 in 2040. The state is home to many older residents because of its abundance of retirement communities in walkable cities. Like any aging population, there will be an increased need for long-term healthcare. Yet, staying physically and socially active prolongs this need; consider some of the following tips.
Constantly reach out to local friends and neighbors and take advantage of local programs for seniors. Engaging with the community, neighbors, and friends gives purpose and meaning.
Focus more on family, especially if you live near relatives, children, or grandchildren. Make time to visit and plan activities. Intergenerational connections are powerful and also fill a life with meaning and purpose.
Some seniors even go as far as having a roommate. Shared housing reduces costs and offers daily interactions with other like-minded people. There are roommate matching agencies that provide background checks and pair people with common interests.
Additionally, home care combats loneliness in the elderly. In-home caregivers offer assistance with housekeeping, meal prep, and transportation. They also provide companionship.
Moreover, whether you are single, divorced, widowed, or in a relationship, you can constantly fuel new interests with activities. For example, seek volunteer opportunities. This is a great way to help the community and make new friends.
Pursue interests with other people or as a couple. Take time to discover new interests and hobbies. Senior centers often have a wide variety of programs and unique activities. You can also consider traveling and seeing the place you’ve always wanted to visit.
Whether you place significance on Valentine’s Day or not, do not allow feelings of loneliness to take over if you are single, widowed, or divorced. In contrast, if you are in a relationship, embrace all the years you have spent together and keep that spark alive.
Vicky Gemme works at ECDOL as a Senior Care Specialist and has been working in this field for over four years. She also has a National Caregiver Certification from the American Caregiver Association.
