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Published February 12th, 2014
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Isolation and Loneliness Can Be "Deadly" to Older Adults Prevention is the key
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| By Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC |
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| Linda Fodrini-Johnson is the founder and executive director of Eldercare Services, a licensed marriage, family and child counselor, and a certified care manager. |
It is a powerful statement to think that isolation might be debilitating to older adults and contributing to mortality. However, research done in the past few years, at UCSF and at the University College London, revealed that lack of social contact - "isolation" - is a predictor of death.
Dr. Carla Perissinotto, one of the authors of the study done in 2012 at UCSF, said that one of the surprising findings of the team is that loneliness does not necessarily correlate with living alone. Research revealed that 43 percent of the adults surveyed felt lonely, but only 18 percent lived alone. A caregiving spouse who gives care to someone who no longer has the capacity to be a companion could feel lonely and be isolated due to his or her role.
Many of you over 70 living alone might be saying, "I love my life and I actually enjoy my own company." It is my personal belief that if you choose a solo lifestyle and it doesn't compromise your health or sense of well-being, it can be fine. However, when the ability to leave your home is compromised for any reason or health issues start to isolate you or family members, then there is a problem that can be remedied.
The British study found that having no social contacts increased the risk of dying, regardless of a person's health and other factors, while loneliness increased the risk of dying only among those with health issues. They further explained that those isolated had no one to urge them to eat well or to take prescribed medications and in a crisis there was no one to step in.
Loneliness can be felt in people who are fully functional, but feel empty or desolate. People who identified themselves as lonely had an adjusted risk ratio for decline that was 59 percent greater than those not experiencing loneliness.
So what should one do to prevent isolation and loneliness? A simple answer is to stay "engaged" all your life. That engagement will vary for each of us, especially as we move into our 80s and 90s. But when I talk to positive people in these age groups, they are still engaged by volunteering, visiting friends, taking classes - despite losses and health challenges.
Here are seven ways to prevent isolation and loneliness:
1) Consider values and your "sense of purpose." Ask yourself, "What gives my life meaning?" If you played a musical instrument, but don't any longer - go to concerts. If you like to travel, sign up for trips (already planned) at a senior center if you don't have local friends or family to travel with.
2) Volunteer. Churches or religious organizations often offer classes and/or volunteer opportunities. They often have visitors to keep you connected if you're homebound.
3) Access transportation. If you can no longer drive, look for the local senior shuttle to bring you to events where you have opportunities to meet others. Call senior information for a list of senior transportation services: (800) 510-2020.
4) Adopt a pet. You'll have someone to talk to in the middle of the night and a good excuse for a walk where you will meet other pet owners.
5) Get ear and eye exams. If you have sensory losses and don't like crowds because you can't always hear, have your ears examined and see what is new in devices. Same with vision: have your eyes checked annually and update your glasses.
6) Consult a care manager. If you have other medical issues which have been a reason for isolation, you might want to consult with a professional care manager who can assist you with managing your medical issues and get you back into the community. Things that we think can't be fixed often have a new answer - therapies and treatments are changing and an expert can be your coach or guide.
7) Communicate your needs. Sometimes you just need to ask for what you need. If you do have family - near or far - tell them how important their calls and visits are and if you are not on the computer, learn. Email and Skype can keep you connected.
For those who live in Lamorinda, the Lamorinda Village (www.lamorindavillage.org) - a membership organization that will begin in late 2014 - will provide entertaining, educational and health focused opportunities for social engagement. The primary purpose of "The Village" is to support seniors to live healthy in their own homes and communities.
We are social creatures and we need to nurture ourselves and push at times to stay connected. Loss is part of life, but so is creativity and possibility. Reach out to others who you think are isolated, know your neighbors and be part of your community - it will lengthen your life.
If you want resources for any of the suggestions or need to speak with a professional geriatric care manager, please give me a call. Depression could be keeping you stuck - if so, feel free to call my office for resources. If you do live alone or with a partner, think about becoming part of the new "Lamorinda Village" for this primary reason alone - avoiding social isolation.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA