One is the Loneliest number

The holiday season will be soon upon us, and at this time of the year, many seniors are alone. Now loneliness is not a normal part of the aging process — but many of the challenges inherent in aging put older adult population at risk. In a new report (pdf file), developed with AARP Foundation support, researchers examined the best existing data to estimate the prevalence of loneliness among adults (age 62-91) in the U.S. The study identifies the characteristics of lonely older adults as well as segments of the older adult population who are at high risk for loneliness. Although related, loneliness and isolation are not the same thing. More than half of older adults (52%)in the United States experience some degree of loneliness

•       Loneliness (also known as subjective isolation) denotes how people perceive their experience and whether or not they feel isolated.

•       Objective isolation involves quantifiable measurements, such as the size of one’s social network (and the frequency of engagement with it), availability of transportation, and ability to access resources and information. The scope of this study was specific to loneliness

Looking at the characteristics of who is or isn’t lonely, some key similarities and differences are worth noting:

•       Education: Education levels don’t differ between lonely and non-lonely individuals.

•       Work/Retirement: Lonely and non-lonely older adults are equally likely to be retired, working or unemployed.

•       Caregiving: Lonely and non-lonely groups are equally likely to be providing care for a dependent.

•       Marital Status: The lonely group is less likely to be married than the non-lonely group, but both married (14%) and unmarried (30%) individuals can be lonely.

•       Income: Lonely older adults have lower household income and less wealth.

•       Living Alone: Lonely people are more likely to live alone, in large part because they are less likely to be married.

•       Health: Although there is no significant difference in number and severity of chronic health conditions between the two groups, lonely people rate their health less positively.

•       Physical Limitations: Lonely older adults have more physical limitations in carrying out the activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, bathing and feeding oneself).

•       Social Interaction: Lonely older adults socialize, volunteer, attend religious services and participate in organized groups less frequently than non-lonely adults.

Risk factors for loneliness include:

•       Not being married

•       Having three or fewer friends

•       Socializing less than once a week

•       Experiencing considerable strain in family relationships

The more risk factors present, the greater the odds of being lonely

What can you do to prevent or alleviate loneliness?

§  Stay or get socially active. Weekly or more frequent group participation, attendance at religious services, volunteering, and socializing with friends may help prevent and reduce loneliness. The less frequently people see each other, the weaker the connections become and the less supportive the relationships are.

§  Nurture relationships. Every relationship has its good and bad sides. The goal is to capitalize on the positive side and minimize the negative side. Reducing strain in family relationships is particularly important because these relationships are often the ones we turn to in times of need.

§  Find and take advantage of local resources. The ability to socialize can be hampered by poor access, other obligations, and even the inability to prepare one’s home for visitors. Explore transportation options, caregiver respite, or opportunities to get involved with activities and meet new people. Libraries, senior centers, community centers and other organizations offer a range of classes and groups, from computer training to arts classes to support groups and much more.