I was recently chatting with a family who called to ask about their mother who lives alone. They know that she’s stubborn and doesn’t want to move, but they also realize that her grumpy mood is probably related to her minimal social interaction. As we’ve learned during the pandemic, loneliness and social isolation isn’t good for anyone, especially our senior friends and family.
Research by The National Institute on Aging has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, and even cognitive decline.
Since our senior friends and family aren’t likely to initiate a conversation about feeling lonely, here are a few signs of loneliness:
- Changes in mood, such as sadness, irritability, and anger
- Feeling isolated or disconnected from others
- Changes in sleep (too much or too little)
- Lack of energy
- Low self-esteem
- Decreased interest in hobbies
- Changes in appetite, such as overeating or not eating enough
At Danbury Senior Living, our focus is promoting a healthy social life, so our seniors feel welcomed and fulfilled. Call today to learn how!
