Loneliness

Let's chat about loneliness.

A lack of social inclusion, connections, and a perception of valuelessness can often become internalised leading to chronic loneliness in adults. Loneliness and depression, are major determinants of an increase in health care and ultimately death in older adults - with suicide being highest amongst the elderly worldwide. Studies show loneliness and depression are a risk factors for heart disease and stroke and impact people's ability to think, feel and act in ways that advance positive physical and mental well-being. Further, a feeling of isolation can be debilitating for some older people and broken emotional ties can interfere with sleep and immune function.

Positive relationships are essential to wellbeing and protects us from being lonely - the lack of which is a key factor in depression. Divorce, job loss, loss of your driver's license, death of a loved one or friend, moving into care, and declining health, can all be factors that lead to an individual withdrawing from social life.

So what can we do to protect ourselves against loneliness?

For some people, the social connections they find at work are an important protector against loneliness. Similarly, being part of a club or community group can also provide friendship and companionship that helps ward of loneliness. Some people prefer one or two close friends rather than a large social circle. Whatever works for you as an individual should be your aim.

Here is a short list of ideas:

• Join a local hobby club such as Men's shed - or create your own

• Volunteer or work part-time

• Join a walking group

• Find a pen-friend (local or global)

• Adopt an elderly rescue dog or cat

• Become a mentor

• Learn how to use the internet

• Say hi to your neighbours

• Join a cause that is close to your heart

• Take steps to improve communication with friends or trusted family member

Finally, older people who remain connected with others and have strong relationships are likely to report a better quality of life and satisfaction with their life, have delayed progression of dementia and mental decline, and need less domestic support and enjoy greater independence. Simply put, social connections, interactions and networks matter. Overall, making small changes to improve social connections can improve your physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Want to find out more about what you can do to improve your social connections? Contact me and let's chat about it.

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