Many seniors find their social circles get smaller as they age. Whether it’s due to distance from friends and family or the loss of a loved one, it often leads to loneliness. Social isolation affects many elderly people, but there are ways to combat it. Here are a few ways to stave off loneliness in the golden years.
1. Get a Pet
Pets can become invaluable companions to seniors. If your elderly loved one has the resources needed to take care of a cat or dog, take him or her to a local animal shelter and begin the adoption proceedings. Taking care of a pet ensures your loved one has something to do every day, from feeding it to taking it for walks. Pets get seniors out of the house, promote physical activity, and provide comfort when they’re feeling down. Seniors who own pets tend to remain healthier compared to non-pet owners.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Roseville, CA, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
2. Volunteer
When seniors become socially isolated, it can diminish their feelings of self-worth. Volunteering can give seniors a sense of purpose. Local organizations always need an extra pair of hands, and seniors who volunteer get a chance to meet new people and make new friends. It’s a great way for seniors to give back to their community and widen their social circle.
3. Attend a Place of Worship
Places of worship provide seniors access to loving, supportive communities. They often throw senior-friendly events, ranging from bake sales to picnics, and they are also a great way to meet like-minded people with similar values.
4. Dine with Friends
When seniors eat by themselves, it affects their physical and mental health. People who dine alone tend to eat less nutritious meals, and healthy eating is a must for all seniors. Solitary dining can also impact emotional health, as it enhances a senior’s sense of isolation. There are many places that offer seniors communal dining opportunities, such as senior centers and church groups. Caregivers should encourage seniors to eat with friends or prepare healthy, nutritious meals at home and invite their friends over.
If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Roseville seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
5. Take Up a Hobby
When seniors get bored, they often detach themselves from the world around them. Hobbies encourage seniors to focus on learning new skills, which promotes mental acuity and reduces feelings of loneliness. Many hobbies have a social component. Seniors can join a group like a bird watching club or a knitting circle, or they could take a class at the local community college.
6. Exercise
Leading a sedentary lifestyle can increase feelings of depression and loneliness. Mobile seniors should try to exercise every day. They could get a membership at a nearby gym and take classes like water aerobics or yoga. They could also drive to a local park and take a brisk walk in the fresh air. Exercise increases energy, boosts physical health, and promotes good sleep. It’s also a great way to stave off boredom.
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Roseville, CA, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Call us today at 916.226.3737 to schedule a free in-home consultation.