Question: I’m afraid of being lonely and sad and isolated. Right now I have some freedom and I don’t know what will happen to that if I move?
Answer: Elderly loneliness is a common problem across the United States. However, if you think about it, most of us are lonely at one point in our lives.
Loneliness happens to children, teens, and even to young adults. Therefore, tackling loneliness is not a young or old issue, but one that can potentially affect anyone.
What makes elderly loneliness unique is that most seniors live alone. Also, when a spouse passes away, many seniors opt to remain alone, instead of searching for another partner after their grieving process has ended. Therefore, the loneliness that seniors experience lasts longer, because of the forced isolation that they enforce on themselves.
3 Tips to Prevent Elderly Loneliness and Social Isolation
• Reason for Moving - First, you should explore your reason for moving. Are you moving from your home, because your spouse died? Are you moving out of your family's home, because they can no longer take care of you? Or, are you having difficulties to take care of yourself, and you don't have other family members to help?
If you are moving, because of the death of a spouse, you might want to reconsider. You could always rent a room in your house to another senior, or perhaps, there might be another family member, who wouldn't mind moving in with you. When you remain in familiar surroundings around people that you know, you are less likely to be lonely.
If you are still living with your children or other family members, and they are not forcing you out of their home, you should reconsider staying there if you are comfortable. Sometimes, seniors make the decision to move out, because they feel they have worn out their welcome, but their family still wants them to be around.
• Learn to Accept Emotional and Social Support - It's possible for you to remain independent and have your space when you are supported by others. One key to happiness as we grow older is about keeping socially active and having friends. The same things that kept us going when we were younger can help keep us active when we are older.
Don't stop doing the things that you loved before. If you enjoyed group activities before, you should continue the same activities when you are older. You cannot stop elderly loneliness if you don't stay in contact with people. Growing old is not a reason for feeling lonely and sad. If you are isolated, it's because you are self-imposing it. Don't do it! Remain active and continue doing the things you like, and find others, who share the same interests.
• Keep Your Independence - No one should be able to take your independence away from you. If you are still able to take care of yourself, you are independent. If you are moving to an adult living facility, you should still be able to keep your independence.
Most adult living facilities in the U.S. prevent social isolation as much as possible. Most of them have highly trained staffs, and most activities are coordinated in advance. If you see something you like, you can participate in it. If you just want to hang out with some new found friends, that's OK, too. You are always in charge.
Tips to Prevent Elderly Loneliness and Isolation - Conclusion
Most people like to socialize, and enjoy interaction with others. There should not be any reason for you to ever worry about elderly loneliness or isolation. Stay active, and keep old social contacts and develop new ones. Life changes, and you need to learn how deal with those changes, and incorporate them into your golden years.
For more information on senior care and assisted living in Denver, visit Applewood Our House
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