Loneliness and Isolation Can Affect Senior Health

Winnipeg Senior Health  |  May 7, 2021

What Every Senior in Winnipeg, MB Needs to Know About How Health is Affected by Loneliness and Isolation

Loneliness and isolation can affect senior health and here’s how. For seniors, maintaining social connections not only improves the quality of life, it improves health. Socially isolated seniors have a 59% greater risk of mental and physical decline than those who do not experience social isolation. Socialization has been shown to slow Alzheimer’s and Dementia patient’s decline suggesting it’s importance to one’s health and well-being.

DID YOU KNOW?

The health effects of social isolation and loneliness on seniors is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes per day.

According to Statistics Canada, 5 million people (25% of the population) who are aged 65 and older, now live alone and over 40% of women over 80 live alone. By taking intentional steps to reduce isolation and reduce lack of contact, overall wellbeing is also improved.

So, how can seniors foster connection and reduce loneliness?

• Social Media – Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites can help seniors stay connected to friends and family across the country. And, many social media platforms have built-in chat functions, games and other features that foster connection.
• Togetherness Activities – For older adults, planning activities reduce the lack of contact. This can be in-person, when possible, or through video chat and phone calls. Virtual or in-person activities can include good conversation, cooking and eating together, reading together, playing games, scrapbooking, or listening to music. And, studies show that planning and looking forward to an event can have mental health benefits too!
• Online Interaction – Seniors may enjoy virtual meetups, online worship services, Facebook trivia nights, virtual communities focused on hobbies, and other online activities that can help people connect to others in their community without leaving home. For those who can go out, sharing hobbies and activities with others can bring joy and connection.
• Virtual Volunteers – For seniors looking for a sense of purpose, there are opportunities to volunteer to help others from the comfort of home. This can include building Easter baskets for children’s charities, sewing quilts for shelters, writing cards for military service members overseas and other activities that allow people to do good work in their free time.

Related Article: Seniors and the Positive Impact of Social Media

Isolation and loneliness can be signs that a senior lacks the support and tools needed to live a healthy, independent life. However, with planning and deliberate action, fostering positive relationships and connections can be incredibly rewarding for everyone involved.

Comfort Keepers^® Can Help

For seniors that need companionship or help fighting loneliness, Comfort Keepers caregivers can help with encouragement, support and assistance with daily living. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find joy and happiness each day, regardless of age or acuity.

Comfort Keepers® Winnipeg Offers a Wide Range of Private Home Senior Care Services

For families concerned about the health and well-being of aging loved ones, we can help with homecare services including, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, in-home personal care, respite care, specialized care, in-home nursing, end-of-life care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® professional caregivers provide services to ensure safety, health, and happiness without the stress of moving to an assisted living or rehabilitation facility. Individually tailored care plans account for living arrangements, medical issues, physical restrictions, personalities, expectations, and more.

Our Interactive Caregiving™ Approach Enables Top-Notch Homecare

The Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). Our compassionate caregivers can provide a personalized home care plan for your loved one, allowing them to enjoy a healthier, safer, and more meaningful retirement at home. 

Comfort Keepers® is the Most Trusted Name in Senior Care in Winnipeg

Our in-home caregivers ensure our seniors are physically, socially, and mentally engaged. In addition, we provide options, activities, events, and resources for seniors that might otherwise not be available.

Locally Owned and Operated In-Home Personal Care for Seniors

Our caregivers live and work in the Winnipeg area. We know the area and how to assist our clients using local resources. Comfort Keepers® Winnipeg is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. If you live in Winnipeg and require homecare services for senior personal care and wellbeing, contact Comfort Keepers® at (204)-488-4600. 

Accredited Home Care for Seniors in Winnipeg

Comfort Keepers® Winnipeg is accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers® offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada.

References:

Statistics Canada.  “Living Arrangements of Seniors”. Web.  2018.

Forbes. “Technology can help the lonely elderly endure social distancing” Web. 2020.

Journal of Aging Research. “use of Physical and Intellectual Activities and Socialization in the Management of Cognitive Decline of Aging and in Dementia”. Web. 2012.

Caring.com. “Senior Loneliness: The Risks of Loneliness and Senior Neglect” by Melanie Haiken. Web. 2015

Forbes. “Are Social Determinants the Missing Key to Improving Health?” Web. 2018

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