How You Can Help Seniors Overcome Loneliness

Loneliness is a year-round, equal-opportunity mental health crisis. While many people feel lonely at any age, this feeling is especially common with seniors. Unfortunately, helping seniors overcome loneliness doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. Some seniors struggle with being isolated and alone, while others can feel lonely in a crowded house.

So, how can we help seniors overcome loneliness?

The approaches vary in each case, depending on a person’s physical abilities, cognitive functions, financial situation, and other reasons beyond their control. In fact, this feeling of not being in control of their circumstances can be a major cause of depression and loneliness.

These feelings can be triggered by life events like retirement, the loss of a spouse, a shrinking circle of friends and relatives, or moving to an area that lacks social opportunities. Other causes of loneliness include illness, lack of transportation, being the sole caretaker of a seriously ill loved one, financial hardship, hearing loss, and being unaware of available resources.

Often, this loneliness is self-imposed. Usually, “I’m fine” means “I’m not fine, but I’m too embarrassed to ask for help,” and sometimes “no, thanks” actually means “yes, please.” 

Why don’t some seniors want to ask for help? Maybe they don’t want to feel like they’re being a burden on anyone, or they’re just used to going places they always went to with their late spouse, or they feel guilty for taking time away from being a caretaker.

In many cases, all you need to do is gently coax them out of their comfort zone. Sometimes, all it takes is a little nudge and a few clever strategies. Call and check up on them from time to time but be careful not to overdo it.

Be aware that some people suffering from age-related health issues or are caring for someone else with a serious illness don’t feel well enough to maintain their appearance, and their homes might be messy. They might not want to invite anyone over because they’re too embarrassed. This triggers loneliness and depression, which in turn makes their feelings of isolation even worse. Instead of dropping by unexpectedly, make sure to reach out to them by phone.

Let them know you’d appreciate their companionship:

Invite them to social events.

Invite them to come along for a ride. “I need to run some errands. Want to come along? Maybe we can grab a coffee.”

Share a meal with them.

Share information about social groups and helpful resources: “I saw this, and I thought you might be interested in it.”

Offer to drive them to a doctor’s appointment, errands, etc.

You can help them feel useful:

• “This _____ is amazing. Can you show me how to make it?”

• “You did such a beautiful job on this blanket. Could you teach me how to crochet?”

• “My doctor said I need to get some exercise, but I don’t like walking alone. Want to go to the park with me?”

  
  

In other words…

Be a friend.