{"id":5521,"date":"2022-08-05T13:58:07","date_gmt":"2022-08-05T18:58:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bentonhouse.com\/?p=5521"},"modified":"2024-02-09T13:18:35","modified_gmt":"2024-02-09T19:18:35","slug":"signs-of-loneliness-in-seniors-and-how-to-help-your-loved-one-feel-more-connected","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bentonhouse.com\/blog\/signs-of-loneliness-in-seniors-and-how-to-help-your-loved-one-feel-more-connected\/","title":{"rendered":"Signs of Loneliness in Seniors, and How to Help Your Loved One Feel More Connected"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re a caregiver to an older adult, it’s helpful to be aware of signs of loneliness in seniors.<\/p>\n

If you ask us, it\u2019s a subject that doesn\u2019t get enough attention, but the reality is that feelings of social isolation can carry deep risks for our senior loved ones.<\/p>\n

In fact, did you know loneliness is considered at least as toxic to health<\/a> as smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day?<\/p>\n

There are serious consequences<\/a> associated with feelings of disconnection, from lower cognitive function to a 32% increased risk of having a stroke.<\/p>\n

In this article, we look at a few of the ways seniors are impacted by social isolation, as well as how to tell if your loved one is at risk \u2014 and how to support them if they are.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s dive in.<\/p>\n

Is technology the answer for social isolation?<\/h2>\n

Using technology for connection seems like it\u2019s everywhere these days, so it\u2019s valid to wonder: is it actually helpful for seniors? The answer is complicated.<\/p>\n

While younger generations may see technology as connectivity, confidence in using new forms of technology decreases with age.<\/p>\n

For example, just 61% of Americans 65 and older own a smartphone<\/a>, compared with 95% of ages 30-39.<\/p>\n

And even if seniors do have a computer or smartphone, there can be complications. From difficulty reading screens to challenges with concentration, older adults don\u2019t always experience technology as \u201csenior friendly’.\u201d<\/p>\n

So, while technology can certainly be useful for seniors, it doesn\u2019t appear to have a clear positive impact on social isolation.<\/p>\n

Risks of senior scams goes along with social isolation<\/h2>\n

Even if a senior does adapt to new technology with relative success, that doesn\u2019t mean that finding online connection is always a good thing.<\/p>\n

Senior scams are a heartbreaking worry we hear stories of over and over again. The internet is rife with ploys designed specifically to take advantage of older adults, making seniors particularly vulnerable.<\/p>\n

Even more susceptible are older adults with the kind of lower psychological well-being that often results from social isolation. If seniors don\u2019t have anyone to discuss suspicious or confusing offers with that they stumble upon online, they\u2019re at much higher risk of being victimized.<\/p>\n

(Learn more about senior scams and what to look out for in our post here<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Is your loved one experiencing social isolation?<\/h2>\n

Are you concerned that your loved one may be experiencing a lack of social connection?<\/p>\n

As you can see, social connection is critical to successful aging. And studies show peer interaction is as important as family.<\/p>\n

Consider the following questions to help determine if your loved one is too isolated. Answers on a spectrum: always, sometimes, rarely, or never.<\/p>\n

Questions to consider:<\/h4>\n