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Tag: Loneliness

12 Great Ways For Seniors to Reduce Loneliness

Posted on by Craig Bass

Seniors aging at home have a high risk of becoming lonely. The risk is even higher for seniors that don’t have immediate family living close to them or who don’t have a strong support network. When seniors become lonely it increases the risk of developing anxiety, depression, and health problems like high cholesterol and heart disease.
Companion care at home is the perfect way for seniors who are aging in place to have regular social visits. Seniors who are in wheelchairs, have dementia, or just have a hard time getting out of the house can get great benefits from companion care at home. A companion can also help seniors try new ways to socialize and reduce loneliness like:

Stay Connected with Family

Maintaining strong ties with family members is crucial. Regular phone calls, video chats, and visits from family can provide emotional support and a sense of connection. Video calls and regular check ins can greatly improve a senior’s social connection with family.

Make New Friends

Seniors can seek out social opportunities in their communities to meet new people and build friendships. Joining clubs, senior centers, or local groups based on shared interests can be a great way to connect with others. Seniors should visit the local senior center or library to find new friends.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a meaningful way for seniors to engage with their communities and give back. It provides a sense of purpose and can lead to new friendships. Seniors can choose from hundreds of volunteer opportunities in everything from social services to politics.

Join An Exercise Club

Physical activity has numerous benefits, including reducing loneliness. Seniors can participate in exercise classes, walking groups, or other activities that promote physical and social well-being.

Find New Hobbies

Pursuing hobbies and interests can be an excellent way to meet like-minded individuals. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing music, shared hobbies can lead to friendships. When seniors retire and have a lot of time on their hands they can finally try some of the hobbies and activities they’ve wanted to try for years.

Attend Social Events

Seniors should look for social events and gatherings in their communities, such as concerts, lectures, or cultural events. These outings offer opportunities to meet people and enjoy shared experiences.

Explore Online Communities

For those comfortable with technology, online communities and social media can be valuable tools for connecting with others who share their interests.

Adopt A Pet

Pets can provide companionship and reduce feelings of loneliness. Seniors who are able to care for a pet may benefit from the emotional support and interaction they offer. And seniors with pets can socialize with other pet owners.

Support Groups

Joining a support group for seniors dealing with similar challenges or life transitions can provide a sense of belonging and understanding.

Take Classes

Many communities offer classes for seniors, covering a wide range of topics from art and music to technology and history. These classes not only stimulate the mind but also offer social interaction.

Intergenerational Programs

Programs that bring seniors together with younger generations, such as mentoring or volunteering with children, can create fulfilling connections and a sense of purpose.

Stay Open to New Experiences

It’s important for seniors to stay open to new experiences and opportunities. Trying new activities or taking on new challenges can lead to unexpected social connections.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html
https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks
https://www.ncoa.org/article/navigating-social-isolation-and-loneliness-as-an-older-adult

If you or an aging loved one is considering companion care at home in Alamo, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Helping a Senior Cope With Loneliness

Posted on by Craig Bass
Home Care Assistance in Clayton CA

As seniors age, they start losing more people. It’s a natural part of life that can be really hard to understand and cope with. If your senior parent has friends and family that continue passing away, it will be important to help them cope with loneliness. Their friends may die, their partner may die, and this loss can impact you and your thoughts when trying to help your senior mom or dad.

One of the best ways to ensure a senior is not lonely is by hiring home care assistance. This is especially useful when your senior chooses to age in place rather than go somewhere else to age. Home care assistance can help keep seniors routine and be a companion for them every day.

As we become older, we all go through a lot of changes, and many of those changes might leave us feeling lonely. Losing lovers, close friends, and relatives may be traumatic. Visiting others might be challenging if you have mobility issues or other health issues. There are many ways and reasons why a senior can feel lonely. Here are a few ways you can help.

Encourage Using Technology

If your senior loved one is hesitant to embrace new technological advances, the promise of meaningful social connection may be what they need to come on board. Using technology such as mobile phones and tablets built exclusively for elders might simplify the transition and make social media seem more enticing. You may need to sit down with them and show them exactly how to use the devices.

Teach Them a New Hobby

Picking up a new interest, no matter your age may be a terrific way to meet new people and establish satisfying and long-lasting connections. If your senior loved one is caught in a rut, a pastime might help them get out of it. If they had a passion that they used to like, getting back into it might help them relive the sensations they experienced when they were younger. Finding ways to fill up their time every day can help them feel less lonely.

Adopt a Pet

Not all seniors should get dogs, but there are tons of other animals that a senior can take care of even if they can’t go outside much. Adopting a pet may provide a senior loved one with a lifetime friend and companion who will adore them no matter what. Pet ownership has been found to minimize feelings of sadness and loneliness among individuals of all age groups, and caring for an energetic pet like a dog may inspire a senior to obtain the exercise they need. In addition, taking your dog for walks or to the dog park on a regular basis is a great opportunity to meet new people.

Try a Group Activity

Whether it’s group therapy, art class, or workout class, attending group activities can help seniors battle the loneliness they feel. The more they can do on their own, the less likely they are to be lonely and the happier they will live. Home care assistance offers transportation to and from social activities like book clubs, music classes, knitting groups and more.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in Clayton, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.