Social Isolation & Loneliness can be a Risk for Serious Health Conditions

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), statistics show seniors who report feelings of loneliness are at higher risk for several diseases including dementia and are more likely to experience premature death. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) says “one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.” Social isolation is a lack of social connections and a result of a person living alone, having a spouse and/or other supportive friends or relatives die, or suffering from chronic illness. Other related problems include a lack of transportation, mobility impairment and untreated hearing loss, which all limit the senior’s opportunity to engage with others. 

A 2010 AARP Research surveyed adults 45 and older regarding their feelings of loneliness. Of those respondents who rated their health as excellent, only 25 percent said they were lonely. Among participants who said their health was poor, 55 percent reported feeling lonely. The CDC also says studies find social isolation or loneliness is linked to a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke as well as a 50% percent increased risk of dementia.

MorningStar of Idaho Falls is a senior living community offering older adults independent living, assisted living and memory care. As one of the area’s top communities, we provide everything seniors need for quality of life and to safely and comfortably age in place. Along with luxury amenities, and care and hospitality services; our signature wellness programs and activities are designed to engage and encourage residents to live full productive lives. Our Life Enrichment team daily presents creative ways to stay active and comes with the benefit of not just camaraderie and fun, but some accountability (for you are truly missed if you don’t show up).

We offer 12 cottages with fireplaces and one-car garages and another 87 one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites within our main building for independent living. If you are a senior who needs help with the ADLs (the activities of daily living), we offer 66 assisted living suites and 28 memory care suites for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Visit our website for contact information and to inquire about availability and pricing or to schedule a tour. Also ask about our April’s Move-in Specials. 

Source: cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html