Chronic loneliness is a concerning and pervasive problem among seniors. This is especially true for older adults who have lost their spouse or companion and are living alone. Even if your loved one lives in a care facility with many other people, they may still feel isolated. Being surrounded by people you don’t know well can sometimes feel lonelier than being with just one person who knows and cares for you deeply.
Seniors who feel isolated and alone often struggle with both physical and mental health. They are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and stress in their daily lives. They may become inactive and have trouble sleeping at night, which can diminish their quality of life. Whether your aging loved one lives at home or in a long-term care facility, here are ways you can help them feel less isolated.
Bring Them Meals
Cooking regular meals is often much harder for the elderly than it is for young people. They may struggle with low energy or physical health conditions that hamper their ability to move around freely. And yet, good nutrition is of paramount importance for them to maintain their physical health as long as possible. You can help relieve the burden of preparing food by bringing your elderly loved one meals.
It’s especially important to make sure your loved one has access to healthy meals when they’re unwell. Many older people decline rapidly in health when they’re sick because they don’t have the energy to make their own meals. If you don’t have time to bring home-cooked meals to your senior family member while they’re sick, consider having meals delivered. When choosing food-based get well soon gifts to send to a sick older adult, opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods like soup and bread. They’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness and may even be able to recover faster because they feel loved.
Engage in a Hobby With Them
Many aging individuals have to give up hobbies they once loved because they can’t do them anymore. It can feel very isolating to have to give up the things that once helped you feel alive. You can help aging adults feel more involved by helping them find new hobbies. Even better, schedule a time in your calendar to regularly engage in those new hobbies with them.
Gardening, crafting, playing games, and going fishing are all great hobbies for older adults. They can all lead to a sense of fulfillment and aren’t too physically demanding. You could also help your aging family member start journaling. Consider being the scribe while they dictate their experiences and thoughts to you. They’ll likely enjoy taking a stroll down memory lane and you’ll be able to pass their stories down for generations.
Help Them Stay Physically Active
Senior adults are more susceptible to muscle decline, bone weakening, and physical and mental diseases if they’re sedentary. Therefore, it’s important to encourage your aging loved one to be physically active. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults aged six and older get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. They should also engage in some sort of strength training at least two days per week.
You can help an older adult in your life stay active by exercising with them. Consider going on walks, hikes, or for regular swims. Pay close attention to their breathing and heart rate and don’t push them harder than they can physically handle. Whenever possible, include balance-improving activities in your workout sessions to help them stay agile. They’ll appreciate the health benefits as well as your company.
Take Them Shopping
Many older individuals struggle to go shopping for groceries, clothing, and other items they need. They may not feel comfortable driving or they may no longer have a license to drive. Taking a senior shopping regularly is one of the best things you can do to help them feel connected. It’s good for seniors to get out and mingle with other people, even if it’s just at the grocery store.
Remember to walk around the store at your loved one’s pace and don’t push them to hurry. Set aside enough time so you don’t feel rushed. If your aging family member runs out of energy before they’re finished shopping, consider taking them home. You can always go back and finish getting the items on their shopping list for them.
Call Them Regularly
It’s not always possible to spend physical time with an aging family member. You may have a crazy work schedule or they might live in another state. However, that’s no excuse to never get in touch. Telephones make it easy to reach out to the older adult in your life at practically any time of the day.
It’s not uncommon for seniors to have strange schedules because they may have trouble sleeping at night. Therefore, they might have to nap frequently during the day. To avoid waking your aging loved one unintentionally, consider establishing a regular schedule for daily or weekly calls. That way they’ll know when to expect your call so they can plan their nap schedule accordingly.
Seniors who feel socially involved are more likely to enjoy good physical and mental health as they age. Use these suggestions to help the older adults in your life feel loved and valued as they grow older.
