Ways to Beat Loneliness as You Get Older

Everyone has felt lonely in their lives at one point, but for those over 65, it can be a permanent feeling.  Unfortunately, loneliness can be as detrimental to your health as smoking, obesity, or leading a physically inactive lifestyle. That’s according to the CDC and its guide Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions. 

Isolated seniors are also more likely to deal with depression, anxiety, and suicide, and they face a 50% increased risk of Dementia. The CDC also reveals evidence that isolation and poor relationships increase a senior’s risk of premature death from all causes. 

With consequences like these, loneliness can have a devastating impact on the quality of your life. But is social isolation a natural part of aging? You can beat loneliness and find social support by following these tips. 

Invest in Private Home Care

Many lonely seniors struggle to find solutions to their loneliness because they wish to age in place. This desire to remain in their home for as long as possible means they aren’t interested in moving to retirement communities or long-term facilities that offer companionship and medical attention. 

Fortunately, leaving your home isn’t the only way to get the support you need. If you value aging in place, compassionate home care provides a more comfortable option. It brings assistance to you.

A home care agency tailors your care plan to foster independence and enrich your life, ensuring you’re partnered with a caregiver who offers everyday companionship as well as medical care if necessary. 

You’ll receive all the medical support you expect from long-term facilities but with the comfort of home care. You won’t have to leave the home you’ve grown so comfortable in after all these years. Instead, medical professionals will come to you.

Join an Older Adult Club

An older adult association is a great way to make new connections as a senior. These clubs host events and classes as a way to meet new friends and learn new skills. Your local library branch and community center are also two fantastic sources of senior programming, many of which are free. 

If you aren’t sure how you’ll get to your class or events, reach out to a compassionate home care provider for a Personal Support Worker. These professionals escort their clients to meetings, classes, appointments, and events. This way, seniors don’t have to give up on their social lives, even if they don’t have reliable access to transit.

Get Your Hearing Checked

An often-overlooked cause of isolation is hearing loss. After all, it can be hard to maintain friendships or meet new people if you can’t physically hear what they’re saying. Hearing issues can keep people at home out of embarrassment and frustration.

If you’ve noticed issues with your ability to hear, go see an audiologist. They’ll be able to test your hearing and prescribe hearing aids. 

Depending on where you live, these assistive devices may be covered by your medical insurance, or you may have to pay out of pocket. However, some governments provide additional assistance for seniors to help them afford this expense.

Bottom Line

While your risk of being isolated increases the older you get, there are ways to beat loneliness. Get your hearing checked, join clubs, and invest in compassionate home care to find companionship in your old age.