Difference Between Social Isolation And Loneliness
Social isolation and loneliness are severe public health concerns affecting many seniors in the United States. While the two issues overlap, they are distinctly different. Understanding the difference can better prepare you, or an aging loved one to find the proper treatment.
What Is Social Isolation?
Social isolation refers to an individual’s lack of social connections. Older adults can experience social isolation for numerous reasons. Some seniors experience social isolation after retirement, no longer having daily interactions with coworkers. Some seniors develop health conditions that make it challenging to leave the home. Other seniors lose loved ones and are unsure how to create new connections.
What Is Loneliness?
Loneliness occurs when a person feels alone, regardless of their social connections. A senior can have a vast social circle and interact with many people, but they may not feel emotionally connected to others. Often, loneliness is a sign of a more significant mental health concern, such as depression. Because they feel lonely, seniors might start isolating themselves and socially disconnecting from loved ones.
Tips To Reduce Social Isolation And Loneliness In Seniors
While social isolation and loneliness are different, there is some overlap in how to combat them. Some tips for reducing social isolation and loneliness are to connect with others, explore outside the home, and talk to a mental health professional.
Connect With Loved Ones
If you’re feeling lonely, one of the best things you can do for yourself is connect with your loved ones. If you have friends or relatives nearby, consider scheduling a weekly lunch or time to get together and enjoy time with each other. If you don’t have someone nearby, you can still connect with loved ones on the phone or with video chats.
Explore Outside The Home
Staying home can be comfortable when you’re feeling lonely or socially isolated. However, if you can leave the house, find ways to explore outside the home and engage with your community.
- Join a club: Book clubs, crafting groups, and walking groups are all great ways to interact with others and meet new people.
- Enjoy community activities: Whether it’s a festival or farmer’s market, community events are great excuses to leave the house.
- Volunteer: If you like to have structured tasks or miss your work environment, consider volunteering with a local nonprofit.
Talk To A Mental Health Professional
Connecting with a mental health professional is one of the first steps you should take if you’re experiencing loneliness or social isolation. Social isolation can cause loneliness, and loneliness can lead to or be a sign of a mental health condition, such as depression. Talking to a mental health professional can help you better understand your mental health and find the proper treatment.
Work With A Professional Caregiver
Whether you’re experiencing loneliness because you don’t have nearby loved ones or you have a condition that inhibits your mobility, working with a Visiting Angels caregiver can help. Companion care is one of our most popular services, where caregivers visit clients' homes to spend time with them while assisting with nonmedical tasks like housekeeping, cooking, and medication reminders. Caregivers can also provide mobility assistance and transportation to help clients leave the house and enjoy their communities.
Visiting Angels Gadsden is a locally owned and operated home care agency serving seniors in Gadsden and the surrounding areas. Contact us with any questions or to schedule a complimentary care consultation and learn how professional caregiving can improve your quality of life.