Understanding Different Types of Loneliness as We Age

Loneliness isn’t as simple as feeling isolated sometimes. It’s a multi-faceted emotional issue that, left unchecked, can become a serious problem.

It’s important to understand that loneliness isn’t one-dimensional; it would be a swooping generalization to assume that how you experience loneliness is the same as someone else. That’s because there isn’t just one form of loneliness. There are several different types, including:

• Social Loneliness: Where one feels like the quality or calibre of their social connections is lacking.
• Existential Loneliness: Feeling disjointed, separated, and isolated from the outside world, even when others are around.
• Emotional Loneliness: Where we feel like we don’t have deep or meaningful relationships with anyone.
• Chronic Loneliness: Chronic loneliness is a culmination of all three of the above, in tandem with feelings of self-doubt and questioning one’s self-worth.

Loneliness can affect us at any time in our lives.79% of those in the Gen Z age bracket (currently aged 18 to 22) report feeling lonely — making them, statistically, the loneliest generation.

However, in this article, we’re going to focus on combating feelings of loneliness as we age into our senior years. While social connectivity is vital throughout our lives, it’s crucial as we pass the age of 65. Read on to learn why.

The Importance of Social Connectivity

According to the National Institute on Aging, loneliness, and social isolation have been shown to put seniors at higher risk of severe health problems like heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline.

Loneliness is so detrimental that it’s considered to be as harmful to our health and well-being as leading a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and obesity, and some scientists believe that loneliness takes a similar toll on the body as chronic stress.

Why Seniors Might Feel Lonely

Loneliness can be attributed to a series of situational and emotional factors, including:

• Losing the stability and routine of a job, which, in addition to a sense of loss around regular social interaction, may lead to feelings of aimlessness.
• Loss of friends and loved ones.
• An illness may lower energy levels and limit a senior’s ability to get out and mingle.
• Grown children move away to foster families and new routines of their own.

If you’re concerned that a senior loved one is feeling isolated or detached, there are some ways to mitigate these feelings. Taking a proactive approach by helping them feel less out-of-the-way or emotionally laden can greatly buoy their mental and physical health.

Consider Private Home Care

One of the reasons some seniors feel social or emotional loneliness and isolation could be attributed to their desire to age in place following a life-altering diagnosis. In instances like this, senior home care services can help.

When a senior loved one opts to age in place in the familiarity of home, they might not have the physical energy to get out as they once did, and the emotional toll of their diagnosis might be making them more reclusive than before. If this is the case, it can be challenging for family members to be there 24/7; you have your schedules and commitments, after all.

Fortunately, at-home care can empower seniors to live independently with the support of a compassionate, highly-trained caregiver. Caregivers not only provide medical assistance — if required — but they’re everyday companions who can partake in activities with their clients (they’re someone with whom they can simply sit and enjoy a cup of coffee and a crossword puzzle). Caregivers from respected home care companies (who go above and beyond to tactfully match their client with the caregiver) often become like a friend or family member.

Connect with Community Groups

Reach out to your local council, library, or older adults association to learn about activities in the area for seniors. You’ll often find a whole host of programs that are physical, social, or both. For example, senior aqua fit, a local knitting club at the library, or lawn bowling for seniors on a weekday night are all diverse options. Additionally, inquire about how to raise your vibration sessions, which can be a fantastic complement to these activities, offering holistic well-being practices for seniors.

Having a fixed weekly activity can help the best of us keep motivated. And you never know — once you’ve found one class or program that’s a hit, your senior loved one might be inspired to find more.

If your loved one isn’t comfortable getting to and from weekly meets, and you’re unable to assist due to other commitments, connect with a home care company. Often, they can partner a senior with a Personal Support Worker who can take their clients to activities like those mentioned above.

Look at Technology

Zoom and Facetime aren’t just for corporate meetings and giggling teens; they’re an excellent way for seniors to stay connected with friends and loved ones from afar. Seniors don’t need to be completely tech-savvy, either. Apps, like Facetime, can be installed on a tablet or phone, and settings can be adjusted so that the app automatically answers with video on their behalf after three rings.

Weekly video calls from grandkids, nieces, nephews, and children can alleviate feelings of social loneliness.

Think About Getting a Pet

This isn’t to say getting an animal is a decision that should be taken lightly. However, if the senior you’re concerned about cares deeply for animals, adopting a senior animal may have great results!

Having a dog can help seniors get out of the house and exercise, during which they’re likely to meet neighbors and fellow pet owners. Pet ownership has other benefits, too. Studies show that owning a cat or a dog contributes to reducing stress and lowering blood pressure — contributing to the owner’s overall health and well-being and making them feel more inclined and equipped to get out and socialize.

Ultimately, regardless of our age, pets provide a safe and comfortable constant. They give us routine, responsibility, and unrelenting love.

If pet ownership isn’t a possibility due to medical issues or otherwise, see if there are pet therapy groups in the area. Here, a registered therapy animal can visit the home with the owner and spend an hour or so with the client.

Talk with Them

Last, often, the most effective solution is the most straightforward. Talk with the senior you’re concerned about. Finding out why they’re feeling lonely — and if that’s even the case — is one surefire way to devise a proactive strategy that can help them move forward.

The Takeaway

Loneliness can be isolating, depressing, and distressing. If a senior loved one has been showing signs of loneliness, talk with them and create an action plan for moving forward. Be it with support from a live-in or visiting caregiver, joining social clubs in the area, or connecting virtually with loved ones; it’s possible to create a support network of quality companionship in older age.