Social isolation is common among older people, with nearly 25% of adults aged 65 and older reporting feeling lonely on occasion.
This is due, in large part, to some of the practical issues that affect individuals when they’re older, such as reduced mobility and lack of transportation. The good news is that while these problems are very much real, they don’t have to be set in stone. With loneliness among senior citizens better understood than ever, it doesn’t have to be inevitable; there are plenty of things that concerned sons and daughters can do to help their aging parents. In this post, we’ll run through some of the most effective ways to ensure that your parent(s) can stay connected.
Teach Them How To Use Technology
It’s easy to forget, but the primary job of the internet was to help connect people. Modern communication tools, especially video calls, can do wonders for keeping older people connected to their family and friends.
However, for that to happen, they’ll need to know how to use their devices correctly. Taking some time to teach your parents how to answer and make video calls, send messages, and even use social media can reduce some of the barriers that can prevent them from feeling connected.
Find The Right Living Arrangement
Many older people struggle to be as social as they would like to be because they are physically isolated. This can happen because they live far from town and don’t have an easy way to get around, or because getting in and out of their home is a challenge due to reduced mobility.
Helping your parent(s) choose the right living arrangement can have a dramatically positive impact on their social life. For instance, moving to a senior living facility can provide easy access to the facility’s social activities, which makes it easy for them to connect with others. These facilities also offer wellness and fitness programs, meals, and other amenities that help older people live their best lives. Another option is to have them move closer to town, which can make it easier for them to attend social events.
Suggest Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering doesn’t just provide older people with a great opportunity to connect with others, but it can also provide a sense of purpose, and that can have a noticeable impact on a person’s overall well-being. One study found that 88% of older people who volunteered reported feeling less lonely. There’s a surprisingly large number of options for senior citizens looking to volunteer, with food banks, libraries, park systems, and community gardens all routinely looking for volunteers from this age bracket.
Consider a Pet
Getting a pet can help senior citizens to combat loneliness in multiple ways. First, the simple act of living with a pet can keep loneliness at bay, since they’re genuinely not alone. It also helps by serving as a social lubricant that makes it easier for older people to meet others — for example, an older person who walks their dog each day may have much more in-person contact with others compared to a non-dog owner.
