­­Hadar Swersky on ways to overcome aging individuals’ loneliness ­­

With modern technological advances, it is simpler to stay in touch than ever before. Social media apps, smart phones, and the internet have made it possible to contact anyone, anywhere, at any time. In spite of these advances, research suggests that seniors experience that loneliness at a higher level than any other age group.

Hadar Swersky says that to some degree, loneliness is a choice. You have the capability to choose whether you keep to yourself or make an effort to stay in touch with family and friends. There are certain factors, however, that make it more difficult to stay associated. As you get older, your social circle begins to contract. Elderly friends pass away, family members begin families of their own, and people move away. Even if you have family and friends in the area, issues of illness, mobility, and transportation can make it hard to get out of the house to see the people you care about.

Age also comes with several physical consequences, such as vision impairments, decreased mobility, and nagging health problems that might make it hard to leave the home. Embarrassment can also be a factor. Older adults who suffer from vision, incontinence, or hearing loss, and those who need assistive devices to get around may feel self-conscious or nervous enough to avoid social situations. As a result, they become isolated increasingly.

The consequences of loneliness can have serious implications for both physical and mental health in seniors. If you are worried about your aging parents or another dear one, step up and do something about it. There are lots of simple things that can be done to fight senior loneliness.

• At times, the best thing you can do for a person is listening. Just having you there to listen can help your dear one feel less alone. Actively engage your dear one in conversation, asking questions and motivating them to express themselves.
• Begin a new hobby. Learning something new is the most excellent way to keep your brain young. Motivate your loved one to take up a new hobby as a means of staying active and meeting new people. Suggest that they join a book club, begin a knitting circle, or head to the local community center to take part in weekly activities.
• Develop a plan. Apart from listening, take time to learn about your dear one’s interests and develop a plan to include them into daily life. If your dear one enjoys music, try taking them to a show or persuade them to join a community choir. If that is too much, just taking an hour out of your day to share an activity with your dear one can make an important impact.

Hadar Swersky says that for aging parents and others struggling with isolation, finding someone to join with might not be as hard as imagined. One of the most excellent opportunities is to connect your dear one with younger relatives. Nieces, grandchildren, and nephews can learn a lot by spending time with older family members and, for your dear one, it might help them feel younger and more incorporated in family activities.