Loneliness is one of the most common issues that can affect elders. Aging brings with it a number of issues that can result in isolation and loneliness, such as the deaths of spouses and close friends, family members relocating, and the development of chronic illnesses or conditions. Moreover, loneliness can lead to a variety of health problems in seniors as well. Isolation and loneliness can have a wide range of harmful physical and mental consequences for the elderly. Here are some of the negative effects that isolation and loneliness can have on the elderly to know about: In-Home Care Minneapolis MN
Greater Risk of Dementia & Cognitive Decline
Loneliness can have a major impact on elderly people’s mental wellbeing and cognitive functions. These effects generally manifest in the form of cognitive decline and the beginning of various forms of dementia in seniors. Loneliness often results in poor cognitive performance, faster cognitive decline, and an increased risk of dementia,
Depression & Poor Mental Health
One of the most obvious symptoms of loneliness is its effect on one’s emotional and mental state. Loneliness results in people feeling many types of negative emotions, which can lead to depression in adults and elderly people. Loneliness can cause seniors who didn’t previously suffer from mental health issues to feel depressed and even develop mental disorders, and can also exacerbate problems and negative feelings in seniors who already had mental health concerns.
Unhealthy Lifestyle & Reduced Physical Wellbeing
People who are socially isolated and/or lonely are also more likely to have poor health habits, such as poor diet, poor hygiene, lack of proper hydration, lack of physical activity, and smoking. That’s why it’s important for seniors to have some kind of companionship and someone checking up on them every once in a while, to ensure that they are eating healthily, getting exercise and water, and don’t have poor hygiene or any unhealthy habits.
If you have an elderly loved one who you think suffers from loneliness and isolation, then you should consider getting home care services for them, such as companion care services and/or homemaking services, or another type of home health care service. To learn more about our home care services, don’t hesitate to contact your local home health care agency in Minneapolis-St Paul MN, Pinnacle Home Care, today.
