Loneliness and social isolation are two of the most pervasive health problems affecting older adults.

Social isolation is a serious issue among seniors. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and even physical health issues. It is a symptom of loneliness, which many seniors experience as they age.

Loneliness is feeling alone, isolated, or disconnected from others. It can be caused by feelings of being left out or rejection.

According to reports, nearly one-quarter of adults aged 65 and older suffer from social isolation, and a significant proportion of adults report feeling lonely.

Research indicates that social isolation is associated with poor health outcomes for older people. This includes high blood pressure, heart disease, depression and anxiety, sleep disorders, and cognitive decline (brain deterioration).

Seniors may feel lonely or isolated for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons include:

1. Aging: The older you get, the more likely you are to lose contact with friends and family members. As a result, older adults tend to have fewer social connections than younger people.
2. Personal health issues: Some illnesses can make it difficult for seniors to get out and meet other people.
3. Lack of social support: Social isolation can be a major cause of loneliness among older adults due to the loss of friends and family, as well as the loss of companionship and support from spouses, children, and other relatives.
4. Lack of sufficient income: In 2019, nearly one in ten people age 65 and older (8.9% or 4.9 million) lived below the poverty level. This means that they did not have enough money to pay for necessities such as food, clothing, housing, and medical care. Loneliness can also occur when there is a lack of financial resources to take part in activities that might help ease feelings of isolation.
5. Communication problems, such as poor hearing and/or vision: When a senior is not able to communicate effectively with others in his or her environment, it can cause frustration and emotional distress. This can lead to stress, depression, and other health issues.

• Poor Hearing
  Hearing loss is not only uncomfortable but also prevents seniors from being able to participate in social activities or take part in discussions at home. This can lead to isolation and loneliness.
• Poor Vision
  Poor vision can prevent a senior from reading newspapers, magazines, and textbooks. It can also make it difficult for them to watch television or participate in games with their friends or family members.
• Inability To Read Signs
  Seniors who have difficulty reading signs may not be aware of what’s going on around them or may forget where they are going when they leave home for an errand or appointment. A lack of awareness about surroundings can lead to isolation and feelings of boredom which could worsen into depression if left untreated.

There are several coping mechanisms that seniors can do when dealing with loneliness or social isolation:

1. Talk about your feelings
   Find friends who understand your needs and feelings. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family members or friends when you feel lonely. They want to help! You must talk about your feelings when you are feeling isolated or lonely so you can cope with them. Talking about your feelings allows others to understand the struggle that you are going through, which helps them support you in feeling better about yourself.
2. Find new hobbies
   If there is nothing else that will help distract you from your feelings of isolation or loneliness, then take up a new hobby! For example, gardening, cooking, knitting, or any other creative activity will help take your mind off things for a while! If this doesn’t work, you can decide to spend your time alone by doing things that you enjoy doing such as reading a book, listening to music, or watching movies.
3. Become a member of an organization
   Consider joining an organization that provides activities or groups where you can meet new people or spend time with others who share similar interests. Or find someone who has similar hobbies or passions so that they can share their knowledge with you. You may even want to join a book club or volunteer at an organization that supports your interests and gives back to the community in some way.

Social isolation and loneliness negatively impact the quality of life for many seniors. The first step toward ensuring a senior’s continued well-being is recognizing the signs and taking measures to combat them.