Study Reveals Loneliness Peaks in Late 80’s
Despite modern technology and its ability to connect people from one end of the globe to another, many people still report feeling isolated and lonely. This can be especially true for aging adults and a recent study revealed that seniors in their late 80’s often feel the loneliest of their lives.
Homecare Drexel Hill PA – Study Reveals Loneliness Peaks in Late 80’s
According to research published by the journal International Psychogeriatrics, loneliness spikes in the late 20’s, the late 50’s and the late 80’s. Knowing that their aging loved one may be experiencing intense loneliness can motivate family caregivers to take steps to ensure their relative gets quality social interaction and variety in their activities.
What Causes Loneliness in Aging Adults?
Several things work together to trigger an aging person’s isolation and loneliness. One of the top reasons is a decline in a person’s overall health. Aging adults have a higher risk of developing health conditions that limit their physical activity and stamina. This makes it more difficult for them to get out of the house and interact with others. In many cases, seniors in their late 80’s have lost their driving privileges, further isolating them from the activities they used to do.
Another factor that leads to isolation and loneliness are changes to the aging adult’s social circles. By the late 80’s, seniors have been retired for many years, they’ve likely lost loved ones, and adult children and grandchildren are busy with their own lives. Many seniors can no longer participate in hobbies they once enjoyed and are likely to be dependent on a family caregiver for much of their basic needs. The result is a senior who is homebound and gets minimal social interaction from a variety of people.
Homecare Can Help Lonely Seniors
Seniors in their late 80’s may not be able to take care of all their daily needs, so they hire a homecare provider for assistance. Besides helping with chores around the house and any self-care needs, homecare providers can help reduce an aging adult’s loneliness and isolation. Not only are the homecare providers companions to the elderly adult, they can provide the means for seniors to get out in to the community and become more social.
Homecare providers can drive aging adults to community events they might enjoy, such as activities at the local senior center or community center. They can run errands, attend performances, visit museums and parks and spend time with family and friends. With the help of the homecare provider, seniors who were previously homebound now have a companion that can transport them to meaningful and interesting venues.
To combat the loneliness epidemic that can plague seniors in their late 80’s and beyond, homecare providers may be the answer. In addition to their daily interaction and regular companionship, homecare providers can open the door for elderly adults to become more social and actively involved in the word beyond the front door.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Homecare Services in Drexel Hill PA, please contact the caring staff at True Direct Home Health Care today.
Doc, as he is called by everyone - staff, patients and clients - first experienced home health care and hospice care while as a colleg student at King's College as he cared for his mother every day while she first battled COPD and then lung cancer. It was during this time that he came to understand that caring for a patient was more than just clinical expertise.
"Admittedly, my strongest attribute is my communication skills and the simple fact that I love to help people. Even the smallest thing you can do for someone really can mean so much to them long term. In fact, it could change them forever. That's what providing quality personal home health care should be all about."
In his spare time, he cooks for homeless shelters and children's music and arts events. He also is highly involved in his local youth sports soccer academy as a coach and Board member.
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