Isolation and loneliness are very real fears
for many older adults.
There are a number of identified
ways to help combat isolation and loneliness in either our own lives or the
lives of others, as we grow older. Here
is a list (in no particular order):
Pets. Having your own pet, or helping someone else
with their pet, can be very helpful. For
example, walking a neighbour’s dog every day.
Pet responsibilities can help give people purpose and meaning.
Senior clubs. Our explorers are aware of a number of great
clubs, which often provide and arrange transportation as well. Typically, the clubs offer a wide variety of
arts, education, and physical exercise opportunities.
Affinity clubs or
organizations. Become a member of a
formal or informal group that is united by a common theme or activity. Find what you like to do, take the initiative
to find like-minded people, and stick to it.
This will be a big help in mitigating social isolation and loneliness.
Cross-generational
interactions. Try to have interactions
with different generations. For example,
living at an all-age residential hotel (vs. more age-segregated). Some older adults like the atmosphere and the
energy they experience, and they often learn new things in their
multigenerational experiences.
Good neighbours. People nearby that you can trust and that can
check in on you periodically. These
simple interactions can be very valuable and oftentimes turn into genuine friendships.
Housing options. Various community living and care arrangements
which can help provide or facilitate companionship. For example, multigenerational living
facilities, co-housing with matched renters, and accessory-unit rentals can
increase social contacts and interactions.
‘Buddy’ system, or a check-in
system. Having some sort of
daily-checking routine can be very helpful and reassuring and combat isolation
and loneliness. For example, sending a
text to a family member every day before lunch; or, making sure your living room
curtains are open every morning (to let neighbours know that you are up and
about).
Regular visitors, or social
service program visitors. Simple
visitation can be a big help in fighting isolation and loneliness. Whether it be a friend, family member,
neighbour, or an assigned social service volunteer; their visits and
conversations are often much anticipated and appreciated by older adults.
The internet. Easy access to the internet can make a big
difference. It does not replace the need
for social interactions, but it can be a good substitute sometimes, as well as
a great source for interests and online activities. People may need to be taught how to use the
internet, and it can be expensive for some.
Television. Even television can help reduce the feeling
of social isolation and loneliness. It
gives you a connection with the outside world.
Its advantage is that it is familiar and can be easy to operate.
Robots; AI (artificial
intelligence); Alexa. These options seem
to be primitive at this point, but they also seem to be getting better very
quickly. They can provide a partial
solution to social isolation, but cannot truly replace human face-to-face
social interaction. Some explorers see a
lot of potential here.
Community education courses
for older adults. Community classes for
older adults can be very good for social interaction. Not only that, but they are typically a lot
of fun and very educational.
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