People often discover that they are spending more time at home alone as they get older. Your health and wellbeing may be impacted by this. Find out if you could be at risk and how to stay connected.
A number of health issues, including depression, heart disease, and cognitive decline are linked to loneliness and social isolation, according to studies. It’s possible that being socially isolated or lonely is more likely if you’re not feeling well.
Continue reading to find out how to overcome loneliness and social isolation.
What is Social Isolation?
For many people, being by themselves is beneficial. Fewer social interactions allow some people to relax, recharge, and concentrate on their thoughts.
Those who are truly socially isolated, however, are not surrounded by friends or family. They don’t interact with people very often and have few social connections. A few months or several years may pass before social isolation ends.
In the end, there are two main factors that contribute to social isolation. The first is physical barriers that prevent people from interacting with others, such as adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic’s new normal. Internal constraints, such as mental health conditions or social anxiety, are the second.
Any age can experience it, but social isolation affects older people more than younger people. According to CDC research, dementia and other memory loss disorders, mobility issues, and poor vision make it difficult for elderly people to maintain social connections.
What is the Difference Between Loneliness and Social Isolation?
The number of older adults 65 and older is rising, and many of them experience social isolation and loneliness on a regular basis. The coronavirus outbreak in 2020 brought even more challenges due to health considerations and the need to practice physicaldistancing.
Social isolation and loneliness are two distinct but related concepts. Being alone or separated causes a distressing feeling of loneliness. Lack of social contacts and having few people to regularly interact with constitute social isolation. It is possible to live alone without experiencing loneliness or social isolation, as well as to experience loneliness even when surrounded by others.
Age-related changes in health and social connections, hearing, vision, and memory loss, disability, difficulty moving around, and/or the death of family and friends all put older adults at higher risk for social isolation and loneliness.
Causes of Social Isolation
There are many reasons why people become socially isolated. A crucial distinction to make is between someone who lives alone and does not experience social isolation or loneliness and someone who lives with five roommates but still feels lonely.
Remember that everyone is dealing with something different because how it affects you may not affect someone else the same way. Here are three potential risk factors for social isolation:
Mental Health Issues
Depression and anxiety can result from social isolation, but vice versa is also possible.
Depression-related low self-esteem or lack of confidence can cause individuals to feel as though social interaction is unwise and cause them to withdraw from others or avoid establishing or maintaining social relationships.
Loss Or Disconnection of Loved Ones
It has a significant effect on us when we lose the people we love. We may become more aloof from other people and the outside world as a result of the grieving process.
Because we miss the ones we’ve lost, we become hesitant to establish new social bonds. Sometimes after a breakup in a relationship or friendship, we withdraw because we feel exposed and don’t want to get hurt again. As a result, we isolate ourselves from social situations.
Geography and Local Environment
Social interactions are becoming more prevalent every day in a densely populated city. However, those who reside in more isolated areas or who have moved away from their friends and family are more likely to feel lonely.
According to Bloomberg, during the early stages of the pandemic, more people moved into suburban areas than out of urban centers in 82% of American counties and 91% of counties in America.
Moving to a new place that one is unfamiliar with can still feel isolating, even though Bloomberg’s study revealed that the majority of Americans relocated within a 100 to 150-mile radius of where they originally lived.
Making new friends and adjusting to a different way of life are still necessary consequences. People may feel lonely after moving from a busy city to a more tranquil suburban area.
How Can You Stay Connected With Friends and Family?
You can take steps to help shield yourself or a loved one from the harmful effects of social isolation and loneliness. Taking care of yourself comes first. To reduce stress and maintain your physical and mental health, try exercising, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep (7 to 9 hours), and engaging in activities you enjoy.
Keeping active and making connections with others are also crucial. People who participate in enjoyable, purposeful activities with others tend to live longer because they feel more fulfilled. For instance, volunteering makes you feel less lonely and gives you a sense of purpose in life, both of which are linked to better health. These kinds of activities, according to studies, may help elevate your mood, enhance your wellbeing, and sharpen your cognitive abilities.
Here are some additional suggestions to keep you connected.
- Find something you like to do, pick up an old hobby, or enroll in a class to learn something new. You might enjoy yourself and meet others who share your interests.
- Set aside time every day to communicate with loved ones in person, via voice call, text, social media, email, and/or social media. Share your feelings in conversation with people you trust. Offer a task that will aid in fostering and enhancing current connections. Another effective way to maintain friendships is by sending letters or cards.
- Take advantage of communication tools like video chat, smart speakers, or even companion robots to help you stay involved and connected.
- If you’re not tech-savvy, enroll in a class at your neighborhood public library or community center, either online or in person, to learn how to use email and social media.
- If you can care for one, think about adopting a pet. In addition to providing comfort, animals may also help people feel less stressed and have lower blood pressure.
- Keep moving and do group exercises, like joining a walking club or working out with a friend. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes (2 1/2 hours) of strenuous exercise per week.
- Your neighbors should be formally introduced.
- Find a faith-based organization where you can develop your spirituality and interact with others through activities and events.
- Visit the resources and programs offered by the public libraries, senior centers, and social service organizations in your area.
- Get involved in your community and join a cause.
Final Thoughts
Contrary to appearances, social isolation is not a problem that must be dealt with alone. The people around you will understand that you require assistance if you speak up for yourself and share your feelings of isolation. Additionally, seeking assistance is never a bad thing. The first step to empowering yourself to leave your isolation can be taking the initiative to ask for assistance.
