Supporting Seniors Through Loneliness and Isolation

Humans are social creatures who thrive on connections and interactions with others. For most of our lives, we fall into built-in social groups, whether that’s school, work, or activity spaces. As we age, those built-in communities start to disappear. We pass through life phases like graduation, retirement, and relocation, often changing up our social groups as we transition. Aging also brings the unfortunate reality of losing friends and loved ones as time passes.

These factors, along with health concerns and transportation limitations, contribute to the growing concern among seniors about loneliness and social isolation. Over one-third of older adults experience some level of loneliness, which can lead to physical, mental, and emotional complications.

Signs Of Social Isolation And Loneliness

While often used interchangeably, social isolation and loneliness are not the same. Social isolation occurs when a person is isolated from others due to health issues, mobility limitations, or a lack of transportation. Loneliness is an internal feeling of being alone, regardless of how many social interactions a person has daily.

Although loneliness and isolation are different, they do have similar signs that you can look for in your loved one. For example, they may withdraw from social activities and spend a lot of time alone. They may also exhibit signs of depression, such as appetite changes, a lack of interest in hobbies, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, or becoming overwhelmed with basic tasks like taking care of themselves.

Improving Mental Health With Community Engagement

Social isolation and loneliness are both mental health concerns for seniors. Many factors can contribute to isolation and loneliness, but a lack of community and connection can play a big part in the exacerbation of symptoms.

Some research finds that those who have a strong community experience have fewer signs of depression, anxiety, and stress. There does seem to be a correlation between people who regularly engage with their communities and have more positive mental health. Encouraging seniors to engage and connect with others may be the key to helping them feel less isolated and alone.

Where To Engage with Your SW Colorado Community

There are many community engagement opportunities for seniors throughout Southwest Colorado. Encourage your aging loved one to visit these places to meet new people and build a strong community near their home.

1. Durango Public Library: The public library is not only a place to borrow books. Most public libraries host tons of free or low-priced events for residents. The Durango library has a full calendar of community activities, from book clubs and writing workshops to game nights and art workshops.
2. Senior Centers: There’s no better place to connect with other seniors than through the local senior centers. These centers are great places to enjoy an affordable lunch while meeting other seniors in your community. Senior centers also hold tons of events and outings open to residents. A few of the senior centers in the Southwest Colorado area are the La Plata County Senior Center in Durango, the Pine River Senior Center in Bayfield, and the Montezuma County Senior Center in Cortez.
3. VFW: If you’re a veteran, consider visiting your local VFW, like the VFW Post 4031 in Durango, Colorado. These centers are open to all veterans and host many events, such as live music sessions at local eateries and game nights with fellow veterans.

How Visiting Angels Can Help

Visiting Angels is a locally owned and operated home care agency that helps seniors live quality lives while aging in place. One of our most popular care services is companion care. Caregivers who provide companion care focus on helping clients feel connected, confident, and safe by spending quality time with them, encouraging them to explore connections outside the house, and providing emotional support as they navigate feelings of loss, loneliness, or isolation.

Our Southwest Colorado office works with seniors throughout Pagosa Springs, Cortez, Alamosa, San Luis Valley, Durango, Colorado, and Farmington, New Mexico. Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn more about how our companion care services can reduce loneliness and isolation in seniors.