Loneliness rates are skyrocketing, especially amongst the elderly.
According to a recent report by Age UK, over 940,000 people above the age of 65 regularly experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. That’s a staggering 7% of the UK population.
Whether due to bereavement, retirement, or physical limitations, loneliness in older people can have a profound impact on mental and physical well-being.
Sadly, the seriousness of the issue is frequently overlooked, dismissed, or framed as an unavoidable part of growing older, discouraging people grappling with isolation from seeking the support and companionship they deserve.
And so, with that in mind, we’ve put together a batch of suggestions for how older people can stave off loneliness and stay connected. In this article, we’ll cover:
- Joining Clubs
- Socialising Online
- Volunteering
- Inviting Friends Over
- Adopting a Pet
The hidden dangers of loneliness in older people
Loneliness is a complex issue, impacting mental and physical health in a variety of ways. Some may be more obvious than others, but all contribute to significant damage to overall well-being, with potentially fatal consequences.
Sound like hyperbole? It isn’t. Several studies—such as this study exploring loneliness as a risk factor for strokes and heart disease—have identified links between loneliness and a variety of health complications, such as hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes.
The medical reason for this is simple, yet alarming. The stress and inflammation caused by prolonged periods of isolation can have a tangible impact on heart health.
Some research has even indicated that loneliness can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of developing potentially deadly viruses, infections, and diseases.
Moreover, changes to eating habits often caused by loneliness (such as overeating) can increase the likelihood of developing diabetes.
As the picture develops, it becomes more concerning for older people experiencing loneliness, which becomes a multilayered health issue that shouldn’t be ignored.
But given both social stigma and a reluctance to speak up (which are, of course, linked), it’s essential that families can spot the key signs of loneliness in their elderly relatives.
Signs of Loneliness in the Elderly
Few people openly communicate feelings of loneliness with others, often due to embarrassment or fear that their feelings will be invalidated or dismissed.
To some extent, this becomes more of an issue as people grow older as they attempt to avoid ‘being a burden’ or ‘making a fuss.’
It’s a poignant thing, isn’t it? The notion that people will suffer in silence, eager to form bonds and spend time with others, but fearful of seeming difficult.
In their article on how to tell if someone is lonely, the loneliness charity Wavelength notes the importance of staying vigilant for changes to behaviours and demeanour, and finding compassionate and constructive ways to intervene if something seems off.
With that in mind, it’s important to be able to spot the signs of loneliness in older people, as they’re often more subtle than you might think, leading to them being overlooked. Common signs of loneliness in older people include:
Social Withdrawal
It might seem counterintuitive—surely someone struggling with loneliness would attempt to socialise more?—but loneliness can actually lead to social withdrawal.
Whether it’s communicating less by phone, fewer trips to the shops, or cancelling plans at the last-minute, loneliness often causes further withdrawal,
Changes in Mood
Prolonged isolation takes an enormous toll on emotional well-being, often leading to changes in mood and behaviour, including angry outbursts, heightened irritability, increased anxiety, and overwhelming sadness.
Neglecting Personal Care
Loneliness impacts motivation, so it’s not uncommon for people to neglect personal care, such as taking fewer showers, washing clothes less frequently, and even ignoring household chores.
Changes to Appetite
Whether it’s skipping meals, eating less at mealtimes, overeating, or consuming more unhealthy foods, significant changes in appetite can be a sign that someone is struggling with loneliness.
Ways for elderly people to stay connected
Joining clubs
Clubs are a fantastic way to stay connected to like-minded people and bond over a shared interest, no matter what you’re interested in.
Whether it’s an arts and crafts group, a photography club, or something as simple as a regular coffee morning, taking part in a social activity is a low-stakes way to keep loneliness at bay and keep your senses sharp in later life.
It also presents a unique opportunity to reconnect with a hobby that may have fallen by the wayside—or take the plunge on an entirely new pastime.
It can take a little digging online to find the right group, but it’s worth the effort. Our friends over at Age UK have an easy-to-use directory of social activities that may help you find nearby clubs.
Socialising online
The internet revolutionised the way we communicate, making it easier than ever before to stay connected to others and strike up entirely new friendships online.
Socialising online is the perfect way to reduce feelings of loneliness if you find it difficult to attend in-person events— whether due to physical limitations or living in more rural areas.
And there are plenty of (free) sites to explore. Including:
- Stitch – An over-50s-only community dedicated to bringing people together online
- Gransnet – Featuring forums where people chat about a variety of topics that matter to them
- Senior Chatters – A social network for over 50s, with chat rooms, quizzes, and games
And that’s without mentioning more widely known sites such as Facebook and Instagram, both of which allow you to interact with friends and family in real-time, sharing updates, commenting on photos, and more.
According to a Care City article on social media use in the elderly, social media can be a powerful tool for combating loneliness in the elderly, with 30% of people who actively engage online reporting lower rates of loneliness.
It is, of course, important to be vigilant online to protect your safety.
Volunteering
If you’re able, volunteering is a unique way to stay connected while also working to support others in your community, posing well-being benefits all around.
Social isolation often comes with a decreased sense of purpose—especially in the early years after retirement—and getting involved with community groups and charities can offer a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.
If you’re eager to stay connected and support others, ask yourself what you’re passionate about and search online for volunteering opportunities.
Whether it’s a few shifts at a charity shop or getting involved with wildlife conservation, there’s a volunteering opportunity for every passion.
For the more adventurous, there are even so-called ‘volunteering holidays’, hosted by groups like Oddfellows, allowing you to put your skills to use and forge new connections.
Inviting friends over
It sounds simple—and it is—but sometimes the best way to combat loneliness is to simply reach out to the people you already know and invite them over for a chat over a cuppa.
It can be a daunting prospect, especially considering how loneliness impacts your self-esteem, but by making the first move, you’ll often find that people leap at the chance to squeeze in a catch-up.
As isolation worsens, it can feel like reaching out to people will make you a bother, or that you’ll be making a fuss, but more often than not, the opposite is true.
It’s normal to feel vulnerable before reaching out to others, but it’s worth working through the anxiety to reignite old connections—or even spark new ones.
Adopting a Pet
Animal companions are hugely popular among older people, and with good reason.
According to a blog post by Campaign to End Loneliness, taking care of a pet can tackle loneliness by offering companionship, encouraging human interaction (in the case of walking dogs), and even providing the types of daily routines that stave off feelings of isolation.
A study by Habri (Human Animal Bond Research Institute) found that 85% of survey respondents reported reducing feelings of loneliness after taking on a pet, with 76% agreeing that human-pet interactions address social isolation.
Of course, you’ll need to consider whether you’re in a position to take care of a pet, assessing your mobility needs and available space, but if you can invite a furry friend into your home, you’ll enjoy well-being boosts galore.
And there you have it. 5 ways to combat loneliness in the elderly. Whether you’re eager to make more natural connections, get stuck into volunteering, or invite a furry friend into your home, it’s important to be active in tackling loneliness.
Need more advice on improving your wellbeing? Check out our help and guidance section, where you’ll find articles on everything from the impact of stress on your body to advice for staying connected with long-distance family.