{"id":7559,"date":"2020-07-17T08:30:47","date_gmt":"2020-07-17T08:30:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/assistinghands.com\/8\/?p=7559"},"modified":"2021-09-29T03:33:43","modified_gmt":"2021-09-29T03:33:43","slug":"how-loneliness-can-affect-seniors-during-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/8\/illinois\/chicagoland-naperville\/blog\/how-loneliness-can-affect-seniors-during-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"How Loneliness Can Affect Seniors During the Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"How<\/p>\n

People are social by nature and this instinct to be social does not disappear with age.\u00a0 However, adults who reach their golden years are more likely to lack social interaction for various reasons.\u00a0 Seniors who experience the loss of their spouses or friends and those who live far away from their families may experience loneliness.\u00a0 Loneliness among seniors can lead to a range of health issues and depression.<\/p>\n

The situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic is contributing to the loneliness that is already a problem for some seniors.\u00a0 A poll taken in 2018 shows that 34 percent of adults from age 50 to 80<\/a> are affected by isolation or lack of companionship.\u00a0 This percentage is expected to rise in 2020 due to the isolation caused by the pandemic.\u00a0 It is important for seniors to shelter in place because COVID-19 can be dangerous and deadly for those over the age of 60, but the loneliness that results can have other adverse effects on the physical and mental health of seniors.<\/p>\n

The Effects of Loneliness on Senior Citizens<\/h2>\n

Studies have shown that mental and physical health can be affected directly by feelings of loneliness.\u00a0 The full extent of how loneliness can affect physical and mental health in seniors is still being researched and discovered.\u00a0 Healthcare professionals and professionals within the home care industry are taking notice of this correlation<\/a> and adjusting their approach to caregiving to help curb loneliness in seniors with companion care<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The following are the main health effects that loneliness can cause in seniors.<\/p>\n

High Risk of Dementia and Cognitive Decline<\/h3>\n

Those affected by loneliness are more likely to experience cognitive decline that can lead to different forms of dementia, including Alzheimer\u2019s disease.\u00a0 Neuroscientist and psychologist Dr. John Cacioppo<\/a> spent 30 years studying social isolation and found that loneliness is a subjective feeling of distress felt by those with little social contact.\u00a0 This perceived feeling of loneliness can change behaviors and biological processes including cognitive performance.\u00a0 As cognitive performance is affected, decline will increase and lead to onset dementia.<\/p>\n

High Risk of Depression<\/h3>\n

Loneliness can make people of all age groups feel pain, sadness, and low self-esteem.\u00a0 In fact, a strong correlation has been discovered between loneliness and symptoms of depression<\/a> among senior citizens.\u00a0 It is possible for loneliness to cause depression and other mental health issues in adults and seniors and for those who are already struggle with depression, feelings of loneliness can make it worse.<\/p>\n

High Risk of Health Issues and Chronic Illness<\/h3>\n

Many physical health conditions have been linked to loneliness including obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and weakened immune systems.\u00a0 Because of the high blood pressure and weakened immune systems, those affected are also more likely to suffer from long-term illnesses.\u00a0 Director of the Social Genomics Core Laboratory at the University of California, Los Angeles Steve Cole, Ph.D.<\/a> found that loneliness can change the way the body functions.\u00a0 These changes can lead to the growth and spread of cancer cells, buildup of plaque in arteries, and inflammation.<\/p>\n

High Risk of Death<\/h3>\n

Given that loneliness can lead to cognitive decline, depression, and a range of physical issues, it makes sense that seniors dealing with loneliness also have a higher risk of death.\u00a0 Studies have shown that adults over the age of 52<\/a> have a high mortality risk if they are dealing with social isolation.\u00a0 One theory is that those who have less social contact are less likely to get medical attention for various symptoms and illnesses.<\/p>\n

Signs of Loneliness in Seniors<\/h3>\n

It is important to recognize if your elderly loved ones might be dealing with feelings of loneliness.\u00a0 Identifying and addressing the loneliness will help improve the physical, mental, and emotional help of your loved ones.\u00a0 The following are the most common signs<\/a> that seniors are lonely:<\/p>\n