Yesterday, I wrote about some of the reasons why seniors become isolated as they age. While writing that post, I realized that I had a few more things to mention before I discussed the ways that we can mitigate those factors.
Empty Nesting
We have many clients who live on their own, and whose grown children and grandchildren live in other states or cities. Now, this is not to shame those people, at all. However, seniors who spent years living around their immediate family, and not living near their family can exacerbate isolation that they also feel from friends and neighbors. This brings me to my next point.
Community Changes
Someone may live in their house for years or even decades in the same house, but their neighbors can come and go. Their friends may move on to other neighborhoods or into assisted living facilities. As new people move in, seniors may lose their motivation to go out and meet the neighbors.
Grief
Anyone can experience loss at any age, but as people get older may experience multiple losses. The grief can compound. I know that when my last grandparent passed, I unexpectedly mourned the others all over again. That kind of loss can be so isolating, even if other people are experiencing it alongside you. This is one of many factors that can isolate seniors. Of course, you don’t have to be a senior to experience loss and grief.
Tomorrow we will discuss the various ways that we can counter these isolation factors in seniors. Being connected to other people is important for older adults’ mental health and wellbeing.
Written by Brigid Stakelum
