Loneliness and Isolation is Unhealthy for Seniors

According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), “18 percent of seniors live alone, while 43 percent report feeling lonely on a regular basis.”   They also found that people 60 years or older who reported being lonely had a 45% increase in a risk of death.  Furthermore, seniors who felt isolated had almost a 60% increase in the risk of mental and physical decline than those seniors who had more social contact.  

There are many reasons that seniors attribute to their feelings of loneliness: retirement, death of a spouse and other family members, and a lack of mobility.  Another factor leading to isolation for some seniors is that more people are choosing to not have children, which reduces the number of family members with a stake in their well-being.  

A report taken from data gathered by the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project found that “seniors who feel lonely and isolated are more likely to report also having poor physical and/or mental health.”  As such, loneliness is also linked to a faster cognitive decline as well as a greater risk for depression.   

Senior living communities such as MorningStar of Glendale offer seniors not only the security and comfort to age in place but also companionship along with a wide assortment of creative, thoughtful activities.   A quick look at a MorningStar community’s monthly calendar shows a steady stream of activities such as exercise classes, cards, word and puzzle games, movie nights, morning hymns, knitting groups, bingo, restaurant-style dining and much more.  Contact us to learn more about our beautiful home-like atmosphere and the comfort, wellness and community we offer to our residents.      

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Glendale, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest independent and assisted living Glendale AZ offers.

 

Sources:  aplaceformom.com/blog/facts-about-senior-isolation/

agingcare.com/Articles/loneliness-in-the-elderly-151549.htm