“Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis,” warns the U.S. Surgeon General. The Surgeon General’s 2023 Advisory further identifies the highest rates of social isolation are found among older adults. Poor social connection contributes to much higher risks of heart disease and stroke, as well as greater likelihoods of developing dementia or diabetes, according to the Advisory. (See also Health Risks of Senior Loneliness.)
Social isolation is generally defined as having little contact with family, friends and community. It’s an objective reality. It differs therefore from loneliness, which is subjective, a perceived reality, a feeling.
The Advisory points out how social connection also influences behaviors: “Lifestyle behaviors (e.g., diet, exercise, sleep), and treatment adherence (e.g. taking medications as directed, engaging in recommended prevention measures) ultimately influence our health and longevity.” Specific examples cited include: being more physically active if their peers and friends also exercise; being more likely to stop smoking if their social contacts do so as well; and even approval or disapproval of vaccinations.
3 Things You Can Do To Overcome Loneliness and Isolation
- Invest in relationships. Finances are one area of investing, with the goal of building a healthy nest egg that you can enjoy later in life. Investing in your relationships is similar in several ways, right down to the words we use to describe it: time spent together or paying someone a visit. And it can pay big dividends, especially later in life!
- Mend broken relationships – they lead to regret and regret hurts! Pile on and regret’s companion emotions of guilt, shame, sorrow, and helplessness, and you’ve got a recipe for full-on depression. We falsely believe a relationship is over and we don’t even try to reach out because it would be awkward, we’re afraid, or because we think the other person doesn’t want to hear from us. But author and researcher Dan Pink found that when we do muster the courage to contact them, not only is it much less awkward than we feared, the person we’re reaching out to often truly appreciates it! Asking for forgiveness can help mend a relationship. Or perhaps the other person hurt you with something they said or did. It’s time to release that grudge and extend forgiveness.
- Practice gratitude. Expressing gratitude creates a positive and uplifting atmosphere. When you focus on what you appreciate in others, it fosters a sense of warmth and goodwill, strengthening those relationships. In recognizing the efforts and kindness of others, gratitude helps deepen connections.
Caregivers Can Be Part of the Solution
Just having someone to talk to, engage in games, hobbies or other favorite activities with, is essential to our well-being. We were created to be in community with others (there’s a reason why solitary confinement is a deterrent used in prisons!) Having a companion Caregiver can also reduce the amount of time spent in front of screens instead of people.
A Sunlight Caregiver can also affect many of those lifestyle behavioral issues, as people who don’t feel well or are tired or weak are more likely to avoid get-togethers.
- Providing medication reminders can help ensure prescriptions are being taken, potentially helping you feel better and have more energy.
- Caregiver involvement can improve healthy eating as well as making sure you’re drinking enough water.
- Caregivers can take an active role in encouraging exercise, whether at home or providing transportation.
…all which can enhance mood as well as physical wellbeing!
Most of us are familiar with the Surgeon General’s warning on cigarettes. But studies have shown isolation and loneliness is actually more dangerous to a senior’s health than smoking 15 cigarettes a day. As the Surgeon General says, “Our individual relationships are an untapped resource—a source of healing hiding in plain sight. They can help us live healthier, more productive, and more fulfilled lives… Our future depends on what we do today.”
Yes, today is the day. Choose to invest in life-giving relationships. Sunlight Caregivers in Des Moines, Lincoln, Omaha, and Council Bluffs look forward to becoming new friends and helping you thrive in connection and community. Now is the time. Contact us!
