It is now easier than ever to keep in touch thanks to technological advancements. Contacting anybody, anywhere, at any time is now feasible thanks to social networking applications, smart phones, and the internet. Despite these developments, data indicates that Americans as a whole are lonelier than ever before, and your loved ones are more likely than any other age group to feel this loneliness.
Your loved ones’ physical and emotional health may suffer significantly as a result of loneliness. Step up and take action if you are worried about your loved ones. All it takes is one person to start the ball rolling. There are many easy things that may be done to prevent loneliness.
The article explores how retirement communities in Lakewood, TX can help prevent social isolation in your loved ones – and offers practices you can adopt too.
Consequences of Loneliness
Although it may not seem like a big deal, loneliness can really have a negative impact on a person’s physical and mental health. According to research from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), those above 60 years of age who self-reported feeling lonely had a 45 percent higher chance of passing away. Additionally, they had a 59 percent greater chance of mental and physical deterioration, which is most notable in how well they are able to carry out activities of daily life.
According to scientists, persistent stress and loneliness both have physiological effects on the body. Stress hormones like cortisol are produced in greater quantities when a person feels lonely, and these chemicals suppress immunity, cause inflammation, and are linked to mental illness, diabetes, and other chronic health issues. A study’s findings that were reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry suggest that loneliness may also be connected to the emergence of brain biomarkers that have been linked to the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Develop a Plan
Create a plan. Spend time learning about your loved one’s hobbies in addition to listening to them, and make a strategy to include those interests into daily life. If your loved one likes music, consider bringing them to a concert or suggest they join a local chorus. If that is too much, even just dedicating an hour of your day to spending time with a loved one may have a big influence.
The greatest method to maintain brain health is to always learn something new. As a way to be active and meet new people, encourage your loved one to pick up a new interest. Encourage them to form a knitting group, join a reading club, or attend weekly events at the community center.
Retirement communities offer a wide range of activities that will keep your loved ones engaged, too!
Volunteering Opportunities
Your loved ones who are lonely might benefit from volunteering in a number of ways, both physically and mentally. Volunteering encourages mental activity in addition to physical exertion. According to the National Institute on Aging, your loved ones who engage in meaningful activities have a decreased chance of developing dementia and other physical health issues. Additionally, it will help your loved one leave the house and integrate with society.
Conclusion
Living communities for your loved ones provide social possibilities that would not otherwise be available, not simply for loved ones who require assistance taking care of themselves. Focusing on the advantages and ensuring that they feel in control of the choice are crucial when discussing living with your loved ones. Your loved one should never feel as though you are attempting to get rid of them.
