|
|
Physical
and mental impacts from social isolation
Studies show that prolonged
social isolation will result in a lack of support both physically
and mentally. This may include exaggerated reactions to physical
illnesses or pain, or a decrease in the ability to adapt to
changes in life.Each year,
one-third of Americans over age 65 fall*. Twenty to 30% of
those who fall suffer injuries that reduce their independence
and mobility. Falls also increase the risk of premature death.†
|
|
Factors that can precipitate social isolation
Any disease that leads to impaired mobility, such as Parkinson's
and heart problems, can prevent seniors from participating
in social activities as frequently as they did previously.
A fixed and limited income may preclude spending money on
social events and may bring embarassment or fear of being
judged by others. Elders may also retreat from others into
their bereavement from a spouse's death. A move necessitated
by declining health can reduce contact with friends, family,
and neighbors. Busy schedules and moves across town or the
country can decrease the time adult children are able to spend
with their parents.*
Solutions to social isolation
Assisted living communities can provide an important alternative
for elders who need supportive housing and services but who
do not require skilled, intensive medical services. Because
the majority of residents in assisted living facilities have
lived within a ten-mile radius of their chosen residential
setting, assisted living offers a community resource that
enables the residents to remain close to family and friends.†
In addition, most assisted living centers promote social interactions
among residents by providing a variety of group activities
and encouraging them to join in.
Respite programs can also offer families a secure and
friendly environment to meet short-term family needs for elder
care, such as a care giver's vacation or business trip, recuperation
from an illness, or simply a needed breather from the challenges
of continual care. The goals of the Altzheimer focused National
Group Respite Program exemplify the valuable service that
respite services can provide to families:
• To offer opportunities for persons with Alzheimer's
disease or a related dementia to engage in a program of meaningful
social and recreational activities in a secure and supportive
setting in order to maximize their cognitive and social abilities;
• To provide relief to family members and other primary
caregivers of and individuals with Alzheimer's disease or
a related dementia.‡
Sources:
*Elderly Health Services, Self-Help
Tips for the Elderly
http://www.info.gov.hk/elderly/english/healthinfo/selfhelptips/socialisolation-e.htm
†North Carolina Assisted Living
Association
http://www.ncassistedliving.org/assistedliving/#advantages
‡National Group Respite
Program
http://www.aging.state.ca.us/html/programs/respite.html
Back
to Home
•
why
we age •
aging population •
senior
falls •
elder
exercise •
senior
brain power
•
• food
for thought •
elder
sleep • elder
abuse • fraud
protection • crime
protection • social
isolation • loss
•
|
