With gatherings that are prohibited during the holiday season in Quebec, an even greater number of seniors will spend this significant period alone, compared to usual. We believe that in this particular time of year that we are living, we all have a role to play in breaking the loneliness among seniors, whether they are part of our family or not!
Loneliness among seniors: serious health consequences
Loneliness often results from a context in which an older person is socially isolated. Indeed, social isolation is “a situation in which social contacts are rare in number, duration and frequency”. This leads to loneliness, i.e., a gap between current social relationships and those desired by the person themselves.
We have already discussed social isolation among seniors in this other article on our blog. You can consult it to find out which groups of people are most at risk for social isolation and loneliness. It is important to remember that social isolation among seniors is a real public health issue, as it can have serious consequences on seniors’ mental health, but also on their physical health. To help you better understand this issue, here are some revealing facts:
- Seniors who suffer from social isolation have a 50% higher risk of mortality;
- Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits (diet, hydration, physical activities, etc.) may be affected by a lack of social support.
- Isolated seniors are at risk of seeing their physical capacities decrease considerably, since the level of activity decreases when they are isolated in their homes.
- Their cardiovascular, cognitive and psychological health may be greatly affected by isolation and loneliness.
Tips to counter loneliness among seniors during the holiday season
This year with the pandemic, we need to find new ways to connect socially with our seniors. Here are 3 strategies, easy to put into practice, to break the loneliness among our seniors during this holiday season which, let’s be aware, will be quite different this year.
Give a gift to an elder
Seniors who are isolated often feel that no one is thinking about them or that their loved ones have forgotten them. During the holiday season, giving a small gift to a lonely senior is a great way to remind them that we are there for them, despite the distance. A box of chocolates, a candle, a gift basket… These are small gifts that are easy to give, but can be a meaningful attention for a single person.
Writing a greeting card to an elder
Initiatives along these lines have recently surfaced on social networks. A nurse working in a seniors’ residence in Gatineau created a publication on social medias to ask people to write to residents who have been alone and isolated for many months because of the pandemic. We believe this initiative should be applauded and emulated by all!
In fact, taking the time to write a greeting card to a senior is a great way to give him or her a little attention. It will warm their hearts to receive a letter addressed to them, but which they were not expecting! It is an excellent activity to do with children to pass on beautiful values to them this holiday season.
Showing a loved one how to use virtual communication tools
Visits to seniors’ residences are always permitted, especially for caregivers. A good way to allow a senior who suffers from loneliness to maintain contact with his or her loved ones is to show them how to use social networks and videoconferencing services. This will allow him to communicate with his loved ones, offer them wishes, in short, keep meaningful and so important contacts!
Most seniors now have an Internet connection as well as a smart phone, tablet or computer. It is therefore relevant, in this period when our seniors suffer particularly from loneliness, to show them how to use virtual communication tools to communicate with their children, grandchildren and friends!
The social worker: support to counter isolation
The social worker can intervene with the elderly in a context of social isolation. Indeed, these professionals are qualified to evaluate a person’s social context and to ensure that favourable conditions are put in place in the person’s environment. The objective is to preserve autonomy and promote the maintenance of physical and mental health.
To offer adequate support to an elderly relative who is facing loneliness, why not schedule a consultation with a social worker? Clinique GO™’s team of health professionals, some of whom specialize in geriatrics, will be able to provide you with more information about this service.
Approuvé par Francis Desjardins
