How to Help Seniors Overcome Loneliness

Humans are naturally social creatures, and even people who are introverted need social interaction to maintain a happy and healthy life. Studies show that senior participants who self-identify as lonely are more likely to suffer from functional decline and death than their non-lonely counterparts.

Getting older can be an isolating experience as our family members grow into their own busy lives. What can we, as caregivers, do to help the seniors in our life overcome loneliness?

1. Get a Furry Friend - In a past blog article, we’ve covered the many ways that pets can help seniors. Besides keeping seniors active, pets naturally provide a companion for our elderly loved ones. As a caregiver, you can help provide care for the pet by cleaning up after it or buying food when necessary.
   
   
2. Find Social Groups - From exercise classes to book clubs, there is no shortage of social groups out there to match any interest that your loved one has. Often these groups have regular in-person meetings which give seniors a chance to get out of the house and something to look forward to on a regular basis. Caregivers can help seniors join these groups by reaching out to local communities for information about what groups they have available and providing transportation to meetings.
   
   
3. Organize Volunteer Opportunities - Giving back to the community can be a very fulfilling pastime. Not only will volunteering fill their cup socially, but it also benefits the community at large. Local religious organizations, food pantries, non-profits, and schools are often looking for volunteers, so caregivers looking for opportunities can help seniors by reaching out to see what organizations could use an extra set of hands.
   
   
4. Embrace Technology - Modern technology does a great job of helping people connect with those near and far. Online interest groups can help seniors find like-minded individuals in their area looking for connection. However, technology can be daunting for seniors who may have a hard time using new devices or are unsure where to start. We recommend caregivers help seniors create a profile on common social networking sites and help research what groups may be a good fit.

Getting out of your shell can be a daunting and intimidating task, but caregivers can do a lot to help seniors combat loneliness. By taking these steps we hope that the senior in your life will be on their way to a fulfilling social life.