5 ways To Beat Loneliness And Isolation During Old Age

During aging, seniors face two major challenges which is not physical but affects them mentally – loneliness and social isolation. We are aware that seniors mostly live on their own and as time goes by they wont be having many close friends or family who visit and interact with them frequently. They might struggle with poor vision, hearing, mobility, or other health issues making it harder for them to go out and interact with others. As a result, they might be left feeling depressed, alone, disconnected and even isolated from the world. That’s not the case at the best senior retirement community in India. The Chennai Homes is known for looking at seniors as their own by providing an atmosphere filled with like-minded people, homely food, walking trails and lush greenery.

Sometimes isolation can take a toll on mental health. However taking necessary steps to identify the older adults at risk and helping them to move out of their zone in order to build connections and stay active and engaged is essential for a balanced life. Always consider that not everyone who lives secluded is lonely or socially isolated. They may live all alone but still can regularly go out and meet up with friends, volunteer in some community, talk with family, and maintain a strong sense of purpose. However, there are plenty of people who don’t have or are used to this kind of lifestyle.

Talk to your loved one about their day or ask them how things have been going on with them personally. Try to enquire about what they did and what are the some things they want to do. Are they spending much of their time inside and alone? What are some of the challenges to them getting out and interacting with others?

Alternatively you can also lookout for other ways such as:

1. Make them learn how to use technology and connect over Zoom, WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Meet, Skype, or another video conferencing platform as it is a great way to stay connected even when distant.
2. You can also schedule regular times to call or video chat so that you can just check in and catch up. Talking to them for sometime and asking them about their day can make a difference and also make them feel cared.
3. You can also get them some assistive devices such as hearing aids, a magnifier, or a walker or cane so they can be more involved in various situations and actively know what is going on.
4. Try to coordinate some visits from friends, family, community groups, or an in-home caregiver. Always remember that having someone to talk to, eat a meal with, or spend time with can reduce loneliness and isolation.
5. Arrange for transportation to help your aging parent get to somewhere when they want to go like a store, appointments, gatherings, church services, and recreational activities. Having a reliable transport can allow them to do things on their and participate in things they actually enjoy.
6. Ask them to adopt a pet if they are only willing and able to care for it. Dogs and cats can be great companions and give seniors a greater sense of purpose and look after them as their guardians. They can also be a great conversation starter to meet neighbors when out for walks.
7. Team up with an in-home care provider who can visit regularly, provide some support, assist with house activities, escort on errands, and even do more than you can.

We are the most trusted senior citizen homes in Chennai where there is  no room for loneliness, social isolation or depression. We have many engaging workshops, yoga & meditation classes, walking trails and even senior-friendly gymnasium for the well-being of our residents. You can truly feel at home and yet be surrounded by the people you care. Contact us @ +91 99419 9555 to know how your golden years will be the most exciting years of your life!