As we approach the holiday season it is important to notice whether our elderly family members or neighbors seem increasingly isolated and lonely.
Social isolation and loneliness are common problems among older adults, and are linked to several health conditions, such as depression and heart disease. They can be a sign of loss of vision or hearing or signify the beginning of dementia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social isolation is a lack of social connection, and loneliness is the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact.1
Loneliness in seniors has been linked to a number of chronic health conditions. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social isolation & loneliness was associated with a 29 percent increased risk of heart disease and a risk of stroke increased by 32%.1 Research has shown that prolonged loneliness is associated with increased risk of premature death, similar to smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity.2
McKenney Cares is a unique program defining the standard of care for McKenney caregivers. Upon assessment a nurse will talk with the client and their family members to develop a schedule of activities that can be shared by the client and a caregiver to keep the client socially engaged. Or if a loved one is in a facility, the caregiver can help pave the way to increased social interactions within the community. Several hours a day a few days a week of social interaction can save a life. Contact us today to learn more. SOURCES:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions. Retrieved 2022/11/22. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html
- Holt-Lunstad J, Smith TB, Baker M, Harris T, Stephenson D. Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: a meta-analytic review. Perspectives on psychological science. 2015 Mar;10(2):227-37.