January 13, 2016 by
As many as 20 to 40 percent of seniors report feelings of loneliness, and while loneliness is certainly no fun, recent statistics show an even more disturbing trend for lonely seniors. According to research from the University of Chicago, seniors who suffer from loneliness and isolation are twice as unhealthy as those who are obese, and have a 14 percent greater risk of dying earlier than those who are more socially engaged.
According to John Cacioppo, Professor of the University of Chicago Department of Psychology, “People are becoming more isolated, and this health problem is likely to grow.”
It’s important to note that preventing loneliness involves more than simply providing people for lonely seniors to interact with, although that is important. It is also a matter of reshaping their negative sense of self-worth and how others perceive them.
Hiring a professional caregiver from a reputable home care agency like At Home Independent Living can go a long way towards fostering feelings of belonging in lonely seniors. Contact us to learn more about the health and quality of life benefits that can be realized through a caregiver-senior bond.
At our Syracuse home care agency, we work to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation among our senior clients. At Home Independent Living’s caregivers can provide dedicated companionship, develop engaging and enjoyable activities for senior clients, encourage outings and provide transportation to events so that your loved one stays socially engaged with friends, family, and the community. To learn more about how our home care services can help your loved one stay socially active, contact our team of Syracuse elderly care experts today!