Social isolation and loneliness tend to increase as people age and as family and friend networks become smaller. Social contacts usually decrease after retirement and may continue to decline with the deaths of family members and friends and changes in residents following widowhood, mobility difficulties and ill health.
Seniors Isolation and Loneliness
Social isolation and loneliness tend to increase as people age and as family and friend networks become smaller. Social contacts usually decrease after retirement and may continue to decline with the deaths of family members and friends and changes in residents following widowhood, mobility difficulties and ill health.
Social isolation is defined as being separated from one's environment to the point of having few satisfying and rewarding relationships. Loneliness, on the other hand, is one's feeling of dissatisfaction with social contacts in terms of quantity of contacts, quality of relationships or both. Social isolation can occur without the presence of loneliness, while loneliness can occur even with many social contacts.
Studies have shown that loneliness appears to be more prevalent among people who are widowed, regardless of gender or the presence of adult children. Loneliness following widowhood also appears greater, the longer the person was married. Those widowed for less than five years were more likely to be lonely than those widowed for a longer period.
Social isolation and loneliness have consistently been found to be associated with health. Declining physical health may lead to social isolation and associated feelings of loneliness. Most researchers have found that elderly women are more likely than elderly men to feel lonely.
Many studies have shown that elderly people feeling socially isolated and lonely and declining in health were more likely to move to a supportive living retirement residence.Such moves may increase their social participation and delay further health decline.
Since retirement residences vary widely, choosing one is a challenge. Seniors – or their adult children –must consider the type of accommodation available, the care and services provided, the staffing, physical surroundings, pricing and socialization programs. They must also consider the services needed now plus, importantly, the services which may be needed in the future.
About Chinook VillageMedicine Hat
Chinook Village is a23-acre Medicine Hat not-for-profit retirement home providing seniors housing with a variety of seniors accommodations, services and healthcare options.
Lifestyles include independent living, supportive living, assisted living, life lease seniors apartments, trial stays, respite care and aging in place.
At Chinook Village, residents enjoy a wide range of activities, recreation and events to combat isolation and promote and enhance socialization.
ContactMelanie our Lifestyle Consultant for a free tour or more information.
