How Older Adults Can Overcome Loneliness
Loneliness is a common issue among the elderly. It is often assumed that loneliness is a part and parcel of old age. However, recent scientific studies find that the case is somewhat different Loneliness is imposed on a certain age and not a characteristic trait. A study by National Social Life, Health and Aging project underlines that only 30% of old people feel lonely frequently while the remaining 70% have adequate fulfilling interactions with the people around them. They enjoy a healthy social and emotional life.
Realizing the extent of loneliness is crucial as it is often connected to the impaired immune system, stress, high blood pressure, inflammation, depression, cognitive abnormalities, and even premature death.
Curiously, a study by Hawkley reveals that loneliness is not always permanent but transient. The study examined about 2000 Americans aging between 57 and 85. The study was conducted in 2005. Within 5 years, 40% were recovered from the state while the rest 60% were still found to be lonely.
What helped these many adults to recover loneliness? Two things:
• Spending time with others • Eliminating toxic relationships and disturbance in family relationships
Hawkley elaborates the result by mentioning that loneliness is a sign of something essential – a desire for belonging to a root – is not met. Like thirst or hunger, it encourages people to act. Her study looks at some of the protective factors that may keep the senior from feeling lonely. What makes a difference? Lots of love and support from the family members and fewer problems to deal with. This is why many people prefer to opt for long-term care in Saskatoon.
To address and alleviate loneliness people need to recognize the perception underlying the emotion. Hawkley and other experts notice :
The basic perception is one of inadequacy. People who feel lonely often feel that others are failing to meet their expectations and something essential is missing. It is usually a significant gap between the relationship a person craves for and what he/she has.
However, this is not the same as social isolation. Social isolation is a lack of contact with other people. Many psychologists say that the two can be linked. People can find themselves to be lonely in marriage which is characterized by conflict. Again, they can find themselves to be lonely in a crowd where they are surrounded by others with whom they cannot connect. Addressing loneliness has received heightened attention since 2011. A campaign to end loneliness was launched in Britain to openly deal with such issues.
**Here are two ways to mitigate the sentiment: **
• Loneliness perpetuates when people think that no one loves them. They spread negativity around themselves which stresses that they are not valued. Changing this perception through counseling or gestures can be helpful.
• Secondly, with loneliness, the quality of a relationship matters over quantity. For instance, in marriage, your relation with your spouse is crucial to feeling a sense of belonging and preventing loneliness.
Therefore, investing in relationships with family members and friends is crucial to address and alleviate loneliness. Many often enroll in senior care in Saskatoon to find peace and stability.
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