How the Elderly can Avoid Loneliness

As the world becomes more and more accessible to all, and relocation becomes a common theme for aspiring young professionals, kids, grandkids, and other relatives often move hundreds or thousands of miles away. While this may have a profound impact on a child’s career trajectory, long term educational benefits for grandchildren, or a bigger home with more space for other relatives, the negative impact that this can have on the elderly family that you leave behind can be devastating. Loneliness in the elderly can cause health issues, lead to depression, and downgrade the quality of life. Avoiding the dangers of loneliness for the elderly is important to long term health and quality of life.

Responsibilities Can Help Fight Loneliness

Whether it’s a pet to take care of, a garden to plant and maintain, or a volunteering responsibility, having a sense that they’re needed can be an important addition to seniors’ lives. The responsibility of taking care of a pet or plant can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience for the elderly, and not only does having a pet help fight the loneliness that can creep in when loved ones move away, but it can help improve mobility by encouraging activity. Volunteering also has many secondary benefits. Along with fighting loneliness, volunteering can promote mental acuity through learning new things, social interaction by engaging with others, and by getting out and about volunteering also promotes mobility.

Social Activities are Important for Seniors

Social Activities are more available than ever, and a wide variety of activities are available for seniors of any fitness level. Check local event calendars for events in your area. Some events that are popular are water aerobics, dinners or cooking classes, dance lessons, bingo, hobby clubs, and other social clubs. By engaging in these activities, seniors can meet others with the same interests, and can make new friends while learning a new skill and staying active. Having a network of friends that care about you is important as you age, and these social activities can help develop friendships that are important in fighting off loneliness.

Hobbies Help Eliminate Boredom

Hobbies have many benefits for seniors, and it’s an easy and affordable option that anyone can enjoy. There are plenty of options available for the elderly, including knitting, gardening, puzzles, reading, and more. These hobbies encourage the elderly to practice hand-eye coordination, encourage activity, and promote mental acuity because of the thinking skills that it takes to learn a new hobby and practice it on a regular basis. Most hobbies have local groups that meet together to meet including groups that meet to knit hats for babies, work on a puzzle together, book clubs, and more. These hobbies can be a great way to meet new people that have taken up a similar hobby, and can help seniors perfect their craft. Hobbies can also have health benefits, including lower blood pressure, weight loss, and a lower risk of depression.

By putting preventative measures in place, and taking some steps to eliminate loneliness, seniors can continue to lead a healthy and fulfilling life, even if their family has moved away due to work or other obligations. By participating in hobbies that engage their brain, joining local clubs that promote social interaction, and taking on responsibilities such as a pet, garden, or volunteering obligations, seniors can continue to stay active in their community and can avoid potential issues with loneliness as they age. These activities all have secondary benefits beyond fighting loneliness, and can greatly improve the quality life that seniors experience as they age.

Originally posted 2015-09-08 09:59:10.