Isolation a concern for seniors’ families

Feelings of loneliness and isolation are common among the senior population. This is due, in part, to the large percentage of seniors who end up living alone later in life.

U.S. Census Bureau information from 2010 indicated around 28 percent of people ages 65 and older lived alone at the time the data was collected. As people get older, their likelihood of living alone only increases, as many have fewer family members or friends around to provide company and care.
Despite the large numbers of Baby Boomers living throughout North America, senior isolation is still a concern. According to the senior housing resource A Place for Mom, the following situations can result from senior isolation.

• Studies from the National Center on Elder Abuse show a connection between social isolation and higher rates of elder abuse.
• Feelings of loneliness can be linked to poor cognitive performance.
• Loneliness is associated with more depressive symptoms among seniors.
• A 2010 study published in Psychology and Aging indicated a direct relationship between loneliness in older adults and increases in systolic blood pressure over a four-year period.

Visiting with seniors and promoting social connections can help them avoid feelings of isolation.
– Metro.