Feeling Lonely and Out of Touch?

One of the things often overlooked regarding the numerous benefits of senior living is the idea of built-in companionship. It solves the problem of not having to drive to, or figure out how to get to a senior activity in your town. Inclement weather doesn’t stand in your way from getting together with friends or watching a movie, attending worship services or laughing over a game of trivia. 

Right now loneliness and feelings of isolation in the elderly is a growing problem in the US and may not get any better as the Pew Research Center recently reported about 27 percent of American seniors live by themselves. Another 2023 survey from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, reports one in three adults aged 50–80 (34%) felt isolated from others (29% some of the time, 5% often) in the past year. 

Experts say this can be problematic as research shows older adults who express loneliness have a 32% increase in the risk of stroke and a 29% increase in heart disease. Other problems include a disruption in sleep, higher blood pressure and increased stress levels. It can also be a predictor of functional decline and even death in adults over 60. WebMD cites studies linking people who are socially isolated to an approximately 50% higher risk of getting dementia.

As we grow older, children may have moved away or a spouse died, and we may have experienced the loss of other close relatives and friends. You may no longer work, and thus no longer enjoy the companionable relationships with work colleagues. This is where senior living communities can be a big help as they not only provide maintenance-free living but the companionship and sense of well-being knowing someone is always around to help. 

MorningStar of Parker is a wonderful example of the vibrant lifestyle our senior living community provides to residents. We offer smartly-designed suites for independent living, assisted living and memory care to provide the ideal living arrangement for seniors regardless of what stage of life they are in. Please contact us to learn more about our many senior care and hospitality services, luxury amenities and wellness programs and activities to keep residents engaged and productive. 

source: webmd.com/healthy-aging/what-to-know-about-living-alone-after-60