Loneliness within the elderly is a very common thing all over the world as the elderly are more vulnerable to loneliness due to living on their own or not having contact with anyone. There are many elderly people with no support or family around them and they tend to spend most of their time alone. Now this is a big problem for their mental health as they are constantly on their own and may be unable to go out and socialise.
What is loneliness?
Loneliness is an emotion that we get when our social and relationship contact is not met. Loneliness and isolation tend to be mistaken for each other, although experiencing loneliness may lead to isolation. Isolation is when you are completely alone, whereas you can feel loneliness around people.
What are some effects of loneliness on the elderly?
Sociability – Loneliness affects their connections with the outside world as they may not be able to go out and socialise or have no one to socialise with.
Depression – The elderly is more likely to become depressed when they are lonely whether they live alone, have no family, or not contact with anyone. Loneliness can really affect your mental health.
Sleep problems – Loneliness can make you doubt yourself and have feelings of worthlessness and it can trigger sleep problems. This may be not getting enough sleep, not being able to sleep, or having a disrupted sleep.
Heart disease – Loneliness can cause heart disease within the elderly and even an earlier death.
Symptoms of loneliness within the elderly
- Decreased energy
- Isolation
- Sleep issues
- Negative thoughts
- Decreased appetite
- Body aches and pains
- Memory problems
- Neglecting personal care
How does loneliness affect elderly’s mental health?
When the elderly is experiencing loneliness, whether this be because of living alone or a partner passing, loneliness can really affect their mental health. However, this can happen at any age, though it is more common within the elderly community. Loneliness is more likely to trigger depression and anxiety which then may lead to isolation.
Why do the elderly experience loneliness?
- Living alone
- Lack of friends and family or none
- Retirement
- Poor physical health
- Death of a partner
- Discrimination
- Fear of leaving the house
Why can poor physical health trigger loneliness?
If the elderly has poor physical health such as a disability, weak muscles, illness etc, it can affect them leaving home to socialise and lead to loneliness. It might be exceedingly difficult for them to gather up the strength and energy to socialise and they may not have regular visitors which may trigger loneliness. In addition, loneliness can also trigger more physical health issues such as heart disease, arthritis, and dementia. Lonely people are 50% more likely to have an earlier death than those who are not lonely.
When does loneliness become isolation?
Being lonely may make someone feel like a burden and feel like they should not ask for help and not want to bother anyone. Isolation is more likely to occur when they have no contact with anyone. Isolation is a horrible thing, especially for elderly as they are more likely to just be left alone while it is easier for younger people to get help as they are more able to have better access and knowledge to technology and have more people around them.
How can we combat loneliness within the elderly?
Reach out – Whether this is a 5-minute conversation over the phone or visiting them this can help them to feel less lonely and more connected. Asking them if they need help with anything and offering to help them.
Offering support – Whether this be just to listen to them, spend time with them or doing something that needs done, the elderly will very much appreciate it and make them feel less negatively and lonely.
Being kind – A smile and a hello goes a long way, it’s nice to be appreciated.
Check in on an elderly neighbour – If you know an older neighbour who lives alone, it takes two seconds to know on their door and offer any support or just a conversation.
Volunteer for organisations that support the elderly – This could be a telephone phone call, visits, support, anything that can help the elderly and combat loneliness and isolation.
Teach technology – This could be to your gran or grandad, if you teach them how to use technology it will be easier for them to stay in contact when they cannot make it out and make them feel less alone knowing they can still contact people.
Encourage them to get active. – Even if it’s a walk to the park or visiting friends or family. Fresh air is good for the soul and is easier to socialise when you are around others.
Recognising loneliness in the elderly
Recognising loneliness is very vital to someone’s physical and mental health. Leaving it long enough can lead to damaging health issues and can quicken death. There is around half a million old people that go weeks without speaking or seeing anyone. Whether this be their choice or something that may be damaging for them, it is important to spot whether people are alone by choice or lonely. There are many elderlies that live alone, and it may be hard to spot signs if they never leave home, and therefore it’s so important to check in on people, you never know how someone may be feeling.
Age UK Charity
Age UK is a charity that supports the elderly and is the UK’s leading charity and they help to allow elderly to live their life to the fullest and support them in any way possible. There are 75,000 volunteers here to help and a call is free to make where you can have a free weekly friendship call with a volunteer. They are open 8am-7pm every single day. If you wish to volunteer or know someone that needs support, call on 0800 678 1602.
