Recognizing Signs of Loneliness in the Elderly & How to Help

Loneliness is often described as the silent epidemic among senior citizens, quietly affecting their well-being in ways that can be just as damaging as physical ailments.

In fact, Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General recently highlighted loneliness and isolation as a serious but overlooked public health crisis. He emphasized that relationships are crucial for health and well-being, and should be prioritized similarly to other major health issues like tobacco use, obesity, and substance abuse.

While this isolation may seem like a natural part of growing older, the impact it has on the mental and physical health of seniors can be profound.

Warning Signs of Loneliness in the Elderly

Recognizing loneliness in the elderly can be challenging, but it's crucial for ensuring their well-being. By being aware of key warning signs, you can offer support and help create a more connected and fulfilling environment for older loved ones. Here are some important indicators to watch for.

Changes in Sleep Patterns

Are your parents having trouble sleeping or have irregular sleep patterns? Frequently waking up during the night, excessive daytime sleepiness, and difficulty falling or staying asleep are common concerns.

Weight Loss or Weight Gain

Loneliness can lead to eating less, especially since mealtime is often seen as a social activity that feels less enjoyable alone. Mom may forget to eat or not enjoy her favorite foods. Conversely, some older adults may eat excessively.

Deterioration in Personal Hygiene

When seniors feel isolated, hygiene can slip, and you might notice things like your loved one not wanting to bathe, food spills on clothes, or the same outfit being worn over and over.

Increased Irritability or Anger

Without regular social interactions, your loved one may feel misunderstood or unsupported, leading to outbursts or a shorter temper. This irritability can also be a way to mask deeper feelings of sadness.

Expressing Feelings of Hopelessness

Older adults may have a sense of despair about the future, which can stem from losing connections with loved ones. Feelings of hopelessness can lead to depression and a lack of motivation to engage with others or in daily activities. Withdrawal can appear in subtle ways, like sudden differences in their TV routines or changes to what streaming shows they like to watch.

Lack of Communication with Family and Friends

Keep an eye on how much your senior connects with family and friends. Reduced communication, either due to physical distance or mobility issues, can deepen a sense of isolation.

Withdrawal from Social Events and Activities

If your normally social senior no longer wants to attend family gatherings, community events, or even casual meetups, it might be a sign that they're struggling with loneliness.

What Causes Loneliness in the Elderly?

Older adults are at a higher risk of loneliness due to changes in health and social connections that come with aging. Some causes of loneliness in seniors include:

• Loss of loved ones: The death of a spouse, significant other, or close friend can significantly increase feelings of loneliness, particularly if the deceased was a major source of emotional support or played a crucial role in providing transportation. This loss can create a void in daily routines and social interactions, making it harder for the individual to maintain their usual activities and connections.
• Health conditions: Health conditions that affect communication, such as mobility, hearing, vision, and memory loss, can make it difficult for seniors to connect with others. These conditions can make conversations challenging, reduce their ability to engage in social activities, and lead to misunderstandings or feelings of frustration.
• Change in living environment: Many older adults downsize, move cities to be closer to family, or transition to assisted living, and it can be tough. Leaving behind longtime friendships and the stress of having to meet new people can make the whole experience feel overwhelming and emotional.
• Other factors: Other factors that can contribute to loneliness include disability, living alone, limited financial resources, and fear of becoming a burden.

Effects of Loneliness in the Elderly

Loneliness among seniors has been linked to a range of negative health outcomes including increased risk of depression and anxiety, serious heart conditions, and increased risk of dementia.

Social isolation can cause serious health risks in the elderly, including:

Increased Risk of Depression and Anxiety

Older adults are at risk for depression, particularly after loss of a loved one or an illness. Anxiety can also develop as seniors feel disconnected from their support systems, leading to worries about their health, safety, or future.

Cognitive Decline

Loneliness can accelerate cognitive decline in seniors, leading to memory issues, forgetfulness, and increased dementia risk, and may also contribute to an increased risk of Alzheimers.

Weakened Immune System

Studies show that loneliness can weaken the immune system by triggering a stress response that impairs its function.

Higher Risk of Chronic Illness

This also makes individuals more vulnerable to a variety of illnesses, like the common cold, the flu, or COVID-19.

How to Reduce Loneliness in the Elderly

Here are a few key ways you can help your aging loved one stay engaged and involved:

Encourage Regular Family Visits

Getting together with family in person can be incredibly rewarding for older adults. In-person connection with children, grandchildren, or extended family can strengthen bonds and boost your senior's emotional well-being.

Utilize Technology for Communication

With so many advances in technology, it's easy to reach out to Mom and let her know she's on your mind. Simple acts like video calls, sending photos or videos, or text messages only take a moment but mean the world to her. Technology also makes it easier to get grandkids engaged. Asking the grandkids to record a short video is a great way to engage long-distance grandparents.

Promote Community Involvement

Does Dad's neighborhood have a Senior Center he could join, or are there local clubs or card games for older residents? Many cities have senior-focused support groups, a great way to make new friends. Faith communities can be a great way for seniors to connect, too.

Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and staying hydrated can help seniors prevent chronic conditions and maintain mobility. Additionally, engaging in mental activities like reading, puzzles, or social interactions promotes cognitive health and emotional stability.

Provide Emotional Support

Caregivers can support seniors by simply being there for them, listening to their stories, and spending time together. Little gestures, like showing patience and understanding, can make a big difference.

JubileeTV can help your loved one feel more engaged - and bring you peace of mind

JubileeTV is designed to make remote caregiving easier for family members caring for aging adults. Using the TV - the senior's largest and loudest screen - JubileeTV promotes greater independence, helps reduce social isolation, and supports remote caregiving.

• Help your parent find something fun to watch on TV, using our Telescope feature. Turn their TV on, navigate to a program or movie, and start the show! You'll see what your loved one sees on their TV, so troubleshooting is also a breeze.
• Place video calls to Mom in the JubileeTV App from anywhere in the world. They'll show up right on her TV screen. Imagine how seeing you on her "big screen" could brighten her day.
• Send photos and videos from family gatherings, vacations, or the grandkids' school pageant - making Dad feel like he's part of the action. Photos become a slideshow of treasured family memories. If Dad is feeling a bit down, you can start the slideshow on his TV, right from the JubileeTV app.
• Set alerts to help your parent remember meal times, when to exercise, and when to take medication, or for fun plans like an upcoming bingo tournament.
• Discreetly identify trends and changes in your senior's activity levels and TV viewing habits, and gain insights into their daily routines, through our activity detection feature. Caregivers can be notified when their senior enters or leaves the room.