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Helping Senior Citizens Stay Involved
As citizens age, loneliness becomes a very real issue and concern. They may be in need of help from their loved ones to determine how they, in their golden years, can still make a difference in the world. Here are some specific steps to help senior citizens lessen the chances of falling prey to the ravaging effects of loneliness.
There are many factors that lead to a senior citizen's feeling isolated: death of a spouse or intimate friends, chronic illness, and an inability to drive a car, to name just a few. The most common effect of perpetual loneliness is depression, and it can lead to dire consequences.
Some seniors may attempt to numb their sadness with alcohol; this could lead to a range of problems from decreased liver function to out and out alcoholism.
They may begin hoarding prescription or over the counter drugs, taking them improperly, and abusing their bodies as a result.
Statistics regarding suicide for senior citizens are bleak indeed: never assume that age and feebleness will prevent seniors from taking their own lives. Many see drastic action as the only release from their isolation and anguish.
There are ways for senior citizens to still feel like contributing members of society, fill their lives with meaning, and fend off isolation. Quite often, it is up to the senior's children or other loved ones to help the senior find and implement activities that will work.
Volunteering is a great way to get out in the world and feel a part of things again. Elementary schools are always looking for grandparent figures to read to and give some on one attention to children. Of course, schools are not the only venue for volunteering: a loved one should sit down with the senior and help him or her sort out her feelings and interests. Once a range interests are narrowed, the internet can provide a list of volunteering activities in the community to choose from.
Active seniors who still live at home can visit local senior centers and make new friends there. You're never too old to meet someone new and enjoy the friendship of companions the same age. Join a bowling league or go dancing! Since ability to drive is often an issue, loved ones could arrange for rides and help keep their senior on the move.
Seniors with limited mobility or chronic illness may enjoy regular visits from a community volunteer. Volunteers are trained to do errands, give rides, bring in meals, or simply sit and listen when they come to a senior citizen's home. An older person who is still developing relationships and feels a kinship and responsibility toward the volunteer is less likely to feel isolated or forgotten, and will have something to look forward to.
Fighting senior citizen isolation and accompanying depression requires careful thought, planning, and follow through by everyone.
About the Author If you or a senior citizen you love is interested in high quality California assisted living centers, contact the good people at Heritage Senior Care, Inc. (http://heritageseniorcare.com/). Art Gib is a freelance writer.
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