People can become socially isolated for a variety of reasons, such as getting older or weaker, no longer being the hub of their family, leaving the workplace, the deaths of spouses and friends, or through disability or illness.
Young adults averaged 47.87, while those 65 and older, often assumed to be the most at risk of loneliness, scored an average of 40—the lowest score of any generational group. Simply living through a transitional stage of life into adulthood in today's world can be a lonely experience.
Volunteer in your community or at your favorite charity organization. Visit a senior citizen center and participate in social groups and other scheduled activities. Join a group focused on a topic or activity you enjoy, such as card games or a book club. Take a class.
Engage in a daily practice
Having an important daily practice can produce a sense of purpose. Start your day with meditation, yoga, walking, or some other physical exercise. Keep a journal and record the activities or feelings that promote a sense of wellbeing.
Joining your local senior center is a great way combat loneliness in retirement and meet people in your neighborhood, especially if you're a single or widowed female – approximately 70% of attendees are women. Find the center that's closest to you.
Cognitive Decline and Dementia
In the case of the elderly experiencing long-time loneliness, it's often manifested as cognitive decline and poorer overall cognitive performance. Additionally, studies show that social isolation and senior loneliness result in the onset of various forms of dementia.
The study also found that loneliness was associated with poorer executive function—such as a group of cognitive processes including decision-making, planning, cognitive flexibility, and control of attention—and changes in the brain that indicate vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
At age 65, Kislev found, the lifelong single people were, in fact, a tiny bit lonelier than the people who had married — a difference of about one-quarter of 1 point on an 11-point scale. Over the course of their adult lives, though, more and more married people feel lonely.
Loneliness and disabled people
Younger Brits report higher levels of loneliness (April 2023) Our analysis of the latest ONS statistics reveal that those aged between 16-29 are over two times as likely to report feeling lonely often or always than those over 70, with those aged between 30-49 close behind.
First, older people are more likely to experience being lonely and this is particularly more noticeable in the oldest–old age group (85 years and over).
Living alone at 70 and beyond can be difficult. Daily tasks become harder, and oftentimes, elders are afraid to ask for help. While some seniors might have friends and family nearby, others living alone don't have people they are comfortable asking to help them with: Meals.
They use their newfound free time in a variety of ways, including taking up new hobbies, relaxing at home, watching TV and lingering over daily activities. Many retirees also continue to work or volunteer. Here's how American retirees are spending their days.
Don't dismiss someone's feelings of loneliness.
Even if they seem like the strongest, most extraverted and friendly person you know, they still may feel alone and disconnected. Statements such as “But you have so many friends” or “I wish I was lonely – I am just so busy” may make feelings of self-doubt worse.
"Lacking encouragement from family or friends, those who are lonely may slide into unhealthy habits," Valtorta says. "In addition, loneliness has been found to raise levels of stress, impede sleep and, in turn, harm the body. Loneliness can also augment depression or anxiety."
Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and even death.
Late adulthood encompasses a long period, from age 60 potentially to age 120– sixty years!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines an “older adult” as someone who is at least 60 years old. Many states may also have different definitions of “elderly” when determining what resources are available in cases of elder abuse, although most states commonly use 65 years of age as the cut-off.
Typically, the elderly has been defined as the chronological age of 65 or older. People from 65 to 74 years old are usually considered early elderly, while those over 75 years old are referred to as late elderly.