Social Isolation & Loneliness in Ageing Adults

Blogs08 Mar 2024

As we age, we also grow as a person. Slowly as we enter our 40s and progress towards our 60s, it becomes a period of transition. We start dealing with signs of ageing, new health issues, and more. If you are in your 40’s then you might face situations such as an empty nest as the kids have moved out to start their own lives or you might be taking care of your ailing parents. During this time, it is natural to think about the life lived, reflect on past mistakes, and learn how to navigate this transition. However, often, many adults are left feeling socially isolated and lonely. Feeling lost, disillusioned and empty, many middle-aged people experience social withdrawal and retreat into themselves. If you feel you are going through something similar, then there is nothing to worry about. In this article, we will delve deeper into this complex issue and explore effective strategies to combat loneliness in elderly people.

Social Isolation & Loneliness in Ageing Adults

Often, loneliness is associated with isolation. However, some research has shown that there is more to loneliness than meets the eye. According to a Perspectives on Psychological Science study, loneliness is the discrepancy between expectations and reality, especially when it comes to relationships. This study developed a Social Relationship Expectations (SRE) Framework that shows us how older adults’ relationship expectations work. According to this framework, the expectation of the relationships of older adults revolves around six factors:

1. Proximity
2. Support
3. Intimacy
4. Fun
5. Generativity
6. Respect

So a loss of any or all of these factors can lead to social withdrawal and lonely seniors. In addition, retirement, often seen as a reward for years of work, can unexpectedly strip away daily social interactions. The loss of loved ones and friends can deeply impact one's social circle. Health issues or reduced mobility can limit participation in social activities, further intensifying feelings of social isolation. These things may seem out of your control. But there are ways you can try to navigate these challenges and feel less lonely. Read on to know more.

Consequences of Loneliness and Social Isolation

The repercussions of chronic loneliness in older people extend beyond emotional distress and social withdrawal. These can cause serious damage to physical and mental health and are as deadly as well-known health risk factors such as obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), social isolation and loneliness can increase the risk of early death by 25%, increase the risk of a stroke and heart disease by 30% and propel the chances of getting dementia by up to 50%! However, do not be scared by these statistics. There are quite a lot of ways and strategies which one can incorporate in their life to deal with such scenarios.

Nurturing Resilience: Tips to Overcome Loneliness in Older People

1. Cultivate New Interests:

Explore hobbies or activities that bring joy and offer opportunities for social interaction. These may help you feel more fulfilled, productive and creative too!

2. Embrace Technology:

Technology may be ever-changing and confusing to understand, but treat it like a friend, not a foe. Leverage social media, blogs, podcasts and video calling apps to connect with friends, join online communities, or engage in video calls. Technology can also help you find more interests and widen your horizons.

3. Participate Actively:

In real life too, it is very important to explore and join clubs, volunteer, or engage in local events as they help create new connections and give one a sense of community.

4. Teach something:

If you have a skill you have mastered, or you think that your experience in a topic or industry is valuable, you can look into avenues to teach students your skills.

5. Seek Support:

When you feel all is lost, it’s not. Consider therapy, support groups, or counselling services for emotional guidance and companionship. This tough time can pass with grace and enjoyment if you work through your troubles and emerge stronger!

6. Prioritise Physical Health:

Regular exercise and a balanced diet can significantly impact mental and emotional well-being.

7. Practice Mindfulness:

Engage in meditation, yoga, or mindfulness practices to alleviate feelings of isolation. It can also keep health issues at bay and improve mental health too.

8. Embrace Self-Compassion:

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. In this phase of life learn to celebrate achievements and prioritise self-care rituals instead of isolating. Everything depends on the perspective you choose to believe. So, dream of a days where you are happy and have lived a life full of joy and love. This concise exploration aims to illuminate the intricacies of loneliness in elderly and provide actionable measures to combat it. The objective remains to empower Indian men and women in this demographic to navigate and mitigate the impact of loneliness as they age. The key is to remain kind and explore new worlds through events, clubs, and social media, prioritise health, practise mindfulness and seek support during this phase of life to live it to its full potential!