While isolation is a worry for elderly people who live alone year-round, it is particularly risky during the winter. Older folks may find it difficult to leave the house during the winter in Indiana, which exacerbates feelings of loneliness. Depression may also result from the shorter days of the winter. Seniors at Heritage Care Home may face higher health risks as a result of all of this.

The Risks of seclusion

The AARP Foundation asserts that "the need for social connection is rooted in our basic urge to survive and is wired into the neurons in our brains." The capacity for social interaction has played a role in human evolution.

In 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau projected that 11 million adults over 65 lived alone. According to an AARP poll conducted in 2011 on aging, the majority of seniors today are making an effort to age in place. If these elders live alone, they are more likely to experience loneliness. It can cause greater blood pressure, higher mortality rates, and a speedier loss of cognitive function.

Seniors who live alone can combat isolation throughout the year by employing a few different tactics.

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Here are a few ideas to help seniors avoid isolation during the winter:

A senior center membership:

Those in need of social interaction should check out their local senior centers. Senior centers offer a range of programs, including lectures, field trips, and special events, which stimulate thought and stimulate the body and mind while building a strong sense of community. Some even provide transportation.

Attending an Adult Day Program Many senior living communities and local senior centers offer adult day programs. Our Adult Day program at Heritage Care Home Senior Living provides monitoring and stimulation for seniors who cannot or do not wish to be left alone during the day. Seniors who take part in the Adult Day program might benefit from engaging in social interactions and leisure pursuits that enhance their lives.

Utilize social media to stay in touch:

Not just millennials use social media! According to a recent social media study by the Pew Research Center, 62% of people over 65 use Facebook, while 20% use LinkedIn. Social media enables seniors to stay connected to a wide range of people in their lives, including friends and family, and it helps them combat the harmful consequences of isolation.

Other video chat services, such as Skype,:

You may video chat for free with family and friends using Skype. Video chat users among seniors have mentioned feeling better afterward. They feel more connected to their family and friends when they can see their faces while speaking.

Information for caregivers

It's crucial to take the time to periodically check in on an elderly loved one over the winter to assess their health and well-being if you are their caregiver. Encourage your loved one to take part in one of the aforementioned activities if you see any indications of loneliness or isolation.

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