Seniors Who Are Lonely Are at Higher Risk for Serious Medical Conditions

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), statistics show seniors who report feelings of loneliness are at higher risk for several diseases including dementia and are more likely to experience premature death. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) says “one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.” Social isolation is a lack of social connections and a result of a person living alone, having a spouse and/or other supportive friends or relatives die, or suffering from chronic illness. Other related problems include a lack of transportation, mobility impairment and untreated hearing loss, which all limit the senior’s opportunity to engage with others.

AARP Research surveyed adults 45 and older regarding their feelings of loneliness. Of those respondents who rated their health as excellent, only 25 percent said they were lonely. Among participants who said their health was poor, 55 percent reported feeling lonely. The CDC also says studies find social isolation or loneliness is linked to a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke as well as a 50% percent increased risk of dementia.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our goal is to promote physical, intellectual, spiritual and social connectivity. We provide everything seniors need for quality of life and to safely and comfortably age in place. Along with luxury amenities, and care and hospitality services; our signature wellness programs and activities are designed to engage and encourage residents to live full productive lives. Our Life Enrichment team will present creative ways to stay active and come with the benefit of not just camaraderie and fun, but some accountability (for you will be truly missed if you don’t show up).

For the most active seniors, our 38 Casitas offer a maintenance-free lifestyle with predictable budgeting and built-in companionship. If you are a senior who needs help with the ADLs (the activities of daily living), we offer 65 assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floorplans. In addition, we have 35 memory care suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Source: cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html