Loneliness can affect us at any age in life. However, our elderly loved ones can be especially vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation. The experience of loneliness can negatively impact an elderly person’s mental and physical wellbeing.
In this article, we’ll explore the signs, causes and effects of loneliness and what you can do if your loved one is being affected by it.
What causes loneliness
Many factors can cause feelings of loneliness for an older adult. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Bereavement and grief. The loss of a loved one is always challenging. Losing a long-term companion in later life can be a catalyst for feelings of loneliness for an elderly individual, especially if they don’t have a strong support network around them.
- Physical isolation. Reduced mobility, geographical location, limited access to transportation, or living alone can all exacerbate feelings of loneliness for an elderly person. Older adults may face increased barriers to getting out, maintaining social connections and engaging in activities outside the home.
- Health issues. Poor physical and mental health can limit an older person’s ability to engage with friends, family and social activities. Feelings of loneliness and social isolation can negatively impact someone’s mental and physical wellbeing and exacerbate existing conditions
- Major life transitions . Significant milestones in an older individual’s life, such as retirement, relocation or change in family dynamics, can disrupt their social and support networks and routines. This may impact their sense of identity or purpose, triggering feelings of loneliness. Changes in financial circumstances due to major life events like retirement can also limit an older adult’s socialising ability.
Signs of loneliness and social isolation to look out for
Now that you understand the circumstances that cause or increase feelings of social isolation for older people, it’s essential to know the signs and symptoms of loneliness in your loved ones.
Social withdrawal and increased isolation
Feeling lonely can cause someone to withdraw from social activities, hobbies, or interactions with friends and family. They may avoid social gatherings or decline invitations to events.
Because of this social withdrawal, they may spend extended periods alone without engaging in social interactions or activities outside the home. They may have limited contact with others and may not have regular visitors.
Expressing feelings of emptiness or sadness
If your loved one has verbalised feelings of loneliness, emptiness or sadness, this is a clear indication that they’re experiencing loneliness and social isolation.
Loss of interest and motivation
If your elderly friend or relative is showing a loss of interest in activities or hobbies that they once enjoyed, this could be an indicator that they’re experiencing loneliness.
Changes in sleep patterns
Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or excessive daytime napping can indicate an elderly person is experiencing loneliness and low mood.
Changes in eating habits and body weight
Changes in appetite are not uncommon for older adults. However, rapid weight loss and a lack of interest in food or refusal to eat could be linked to loneliness and feelings of depression.
Decline in mental health
Loneliness and social isolation can contribute to the development or exacerbation of mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Signs of depression, such as feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or suicidal ideation, may be more pronounced in lonely elderly individuals.
Decline in physical health
There’s a strong correlation between someone’s mental and physical wellbeing. If a loved one is experiencing loneliness, you may also notice a decline in their physical health. This could be increased frailty, an existing health condition getting worse or the onset of physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches or body aches.
What you can do to support an elderly friend or relative experiencing loneliness
Knowing how best to support your loved one can be challenging if you have a busy life or don’t live near them. Here are our top tips for supporting someone who is experiencing loneliness.
Make regular communication
Whether this is popping in for a cup of tea and a chat or making a regular phone or video call, keeping in touch can help an elderly friend or relative feel connected and valued.
Listen empathetically
Take the time to listen to their feelings and experiences without judgment. Validate their emotions and offer empathy and understanding. Sometimes, loneliness can come from not feeling ‘heard’ or understood.
Encourage social activities
If an older person feels lonely, they may lose interest in social activities or feel disconnected from what they can engage with. Encourage them to find and participate in social activities or groups tailored to their interests. This could be hobby clubs, religious gatherings, local social events or volunteer opportunities.
They may need some initial help to find something they enjoy or take the first steps to join. You could offer to accompany them if they feel hesitant to go alone.
Explore community resources
There may be local resources targeted at supporting elderly community members. These can include support groups, tailored social events or programs offering transportation assistance or meal delivery services.
Use a home-based care service
If you cannot support your elderly friend or relative from day to day, or you want to top up the support you can offer, you can consider a home-based care service. Care assistants can help with everything from medication support to practical tasks around the home or offering companionship care, where a care assistant can pop in to see your loved one and accompany them to appointments or on an arranged outing.