We’ve been talking a lot about patterns of loneliness and isolation in recent weeks. The focus is an important one. Loneliness is a common problem. It can also have dramatic impacts on health.
There are also complications.
Loneliness isn’t just related to how isolated people are. It’s also linked to their expectations and desires. This means that people can be relatively isolated and not feel lonely. Or, they can have the potential for many connections, yet feel completely alone in the world.
This creates situations where people can feel desperately lonely and the need isn’t at all obvious.
In this post, we’re talking about one particular situation – aging in place.
The Concept of Aging in Place
Aging in place refers to cases where people grow old, perhaps even to the end of their life, in their own communities. This can be much more desirable than going to a nursing home, assisted living facility or some other location.
There is a growing focus in this area and various types of support are available.
Some people choose to age in place in their current home, which may be where they raised their children. Others may choose to downsize and live in a place that is better suited to their needs.
Aging in place can also mean living with family members. This is especially true when the senior cannot safely live on their own.
While all of these patterns can be effective, there are strong implications for loneliness.
Living with Family
Many families choose to have an elderly parent, or another family member, live with them.
This is a powerful way to provide care and support (especially if the senior can no longer safely live on their own). The idea can be practical for caregiving too, as there is less distance to travel and the senior can be supported along with the rest of the family.
Incorporating a senior into the family in this way can seem like an ideal solution to isolation too. While that may sometimes be the case – seniors can experience more isolation with family, not less.
The challenge is the time spent alone.
Many seniors living with their family will end up spending most of the day on their own. Family members all have their own responsibilities and activities, including work, school, and socialization.
It’s easy for seniors to simply feel lost in the mix.
Living Alone
For seniors who are unmarried, divorced or widowed, living alone is a common situation. This is one of the key risk factors for loneliness (which is hardly surprising).
When living alone, any social engagement tends to require planning. It can be an effort to do so on a regular basis, especially for people with relatively few social connections.
Seniors may also face other challenges that make social engagement more difficult again.
- Some may have limited transport options, especially if they can no longer safely drive themselves.
- Mobility may be restricted in other ways, such as in cases where a health condition makes walking difficult.
- Some challenges and health conditions can be embarrassing (such as incontinence). Some people may prefer staying at home, rather than risking an issue occurring in public.
It can be very easy for people who live alone to simply let social engagement slide. The process may not be intentional, but when social connections lapse, they are often harder to rebuild.
The Implications of Loneliness and Aging in Place
The patterns we’re focusing on here suggest that aging in place needs to be carefully considered. It’s important to make sure that any potential disadvantages don’t outweigh the advantages.
This may mean placing a greater emphasis on social connections.
Caregivers and family may need to help seniors to remain integrated into their community. Programs at local senior centers can be an effective way to do this, along with other types of local programs and cooking classes.
Ensuring that the family stays connected with the senior also helps. Even small visits and short phone calls can make a large difference. Such approaches can help seniors to feel like they are still part of the family and social circle.
It’s also worth considering alternatives like senior living communities.
This is an idea that many people resist. Aging at home tends to sound much more desirable. Yet, many seniors find that such communities offer a greater potential for friends and social contacts.
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