Isolation and loneliness can take a toll on our senior’s health and well being. According to a study, loneliness and social isolation have detrimental health effects on seniors such as: increased risk of mortality due to falls and other accidents, increased risk of memory loss or dementia, increased risk of depression and increased risk of long term disease. Thus, it is very important for seniors to stay active and have companionship with a spouse, family members, relatives and friends.

Here are 4 tips to help avoid senior loneliness and isolation.

1. Schedule regular visitations with friends and family.

Despite your hectic schedule with work and family, ensure to make time for your senior loved ones. Your senior loved ones may not be able to get out as much as they used to or enjoy their favorite activities anymore, so it is very important to visit them regularly in order for them to avoid feeling of isolation and loneliness. When you visit them, bring the whole family with their grandkids and surprise them with gifts for grandparents like a hat for grandpa and a piece of jewelry for grandma. Showing your love and appreciation with gifts make them feel valued and loved.

2. Encourage them to make friends.

After your senior loved ones have lost a spouse, encourage them to make friends or go out for a date, but it doesn’t need to be romantic. Allowing them to make friends is a great way for them to create companionship, someone to talk to and enjoy a meal with.

3. Encourage them to find new hobbies.

If your loved ones have hobbies they can no longer enjoy, it is crucial that you encourage them to find new ones like crafting. Some ideal arts and crafts activities for seniors are sewing, knitting, quilting, coloring, crocheting, beading, embroidery, painting, lettering and wood carving. Crafting is a fun and enjoyable activity that offers mental and physical health benefits for older adults.

4. Find fun activities for them to enjoy.

What were the activities your senior loved ones used to enjoy doing when they were younger? Try to find out and make time for that. For instance, if they love reading books,  How to Babysit a Grandpa and How to Babysit a Grandma is just perfect to cozy up with their grandkids. These books are filled with warmth, energy and laughter that can build a strong bond between your senior loved ones and their grandchildren. These books are comical books that will bring fun and laughter to your senior loved ones.

 

Do not allow isolation and loneliness consume your senior loved ones, but let them enjoy their golden years with these simple tips. What other tips can you give to keep social isolation at bay and avoid loneliness?