No matter the age - loneliness is a problem that every person can face. For older people, loneliness may be considered a "natural consequence" of life, but it shouldn't be! No person deserves to face old age alone and abandoned as a useless thing.
Medically speaking, loneliness can have an effect similar to that of chronic stress on their brain health. It can also affect their immune and endocrine systems; and they also become more vulnerable to all kinds of diseases. A kind word and kind treatment to such a person is always helpful, but not always enough. Sometimes these people also need other kinds of support, which can be provided, for example, by organising charity campaigns.
For older people, loneliness is actually a common phenomenon. They are usually the group most affected by it. Western cultures, out of fear, often turn their backs on them unfortunately. There are people who prefer to isolate themselves at a time when they are in a state of sadness, anger and frustration. Soon after, however - when they recover, they also regain their need to enjoy a little company. They also feel the emotional support of all those people who, in one way or another, are able to motivate them to keep going.
There are few people who would rather be alone. This is because being surrounded by people and being important to someone is a primal human need.
Studies have revealed that loneliness is a very serious health problem. It brings with it feelings of inferiority, which in turn could lead to serious consequences and even premature death. It is also directly associated with deteriorating mental health, dementia, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Estimates suggest that 10% of older people live in loneliness and this is seriously damaging their mental and physical health. Research shows that 70% of them have a serious health problem that is related to loneliness. Some of the problems are mental and others are physical.
Loneliness on an overall level affects brain health in the same way as chronic stress. Both negative sensations trigger an unpleasant response from the immune and endocrine systems. Also, these emotions weaken them and furthermore make them more vulnerable to developing a variety of diseases.
Studies show that the most common diseases that result from loneliness are diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety and recurrent infections.
The effects in older people are more negative and direct. This is because of psychological resilience. It represents the body's ability to overcome bad conditions and adapt to bad conditions. There is also a reduction in cellular repair mechanisms as a consequence of aging.
In fact, most worrying of all is that the problem of loneliness in older people is becoming more serious. The danger of it becoming a global health problem in just a few years is real.
Experts dealing with this point out that solving the problem of loneliness is capable of leading to serious health benefits for seniors. Psychologists actually think that the main factor that can ensure a good quality of life is beneficial social interaction.
Loneliness and its health consequences are becoming increasingly distressing. One of the best pieces of advice that can be given to anyone, and we at the Pavel Andreev Foundation subscribe to it, is for everyone to keep lonely older people company whenever they can. Older people who are already affected by certain illnesses such as loss of mobility, mental health problems and dementia especially need this. These are conditions in which the relatives of these people often abandon them.
Data from studies in various countries show that a very large proportion of the older population feels either 'lonely' or 'very lonely', and the percentage is even higher for people over 65.
Frankly, most older people, who as awful as it sounds - "just waiting for the day to come" - live not only in loneliness but often in deprivation. Abandoned to their fate by their relatives and low pensions, they are literally condemned to a 'miserable survival' and the impossibility of living out their old age with dignity. They need the following things:
For people who, for one reason or another, feel lonely, any social contact on a daily basis is able to reduce the effects of loneliness. And this is not only enjoyable, but can also improve their health.
What is the solution? Actually, the kind of social activity that the now elderly person has maintained throughout his life is a decisive factor when the time comes that he is left alone. In this sense, it is more difficult to provide treatment and support to an older person who has had difficulty socialising throughout their life and whose existence is marked by confusion, fear or rejection. However, psychological help could also help in this case.
Here's how you can help an elderly person you know or don't know to live out their old age with dignity:
Read our article to find out Why is it important to help?
There are many ways that you can help seniors feel less lonely. Many are living with serious financial difficulties and in poverty. If you know such an elderly person, feel free to create a charity campaign on PavelAndreev.ORG. This way you will quickly raise the funds that are needed by someone. After all, much of the feeling of loneliness stems precisely from the fact that there are many needs and no one to help meet at least some of them.
It's good for the community to be aware of the problem and its possible consequences, so we can keep them company as often as possible and make them feel like an active part of society. They have given their all, cared for a number of people, worked for them and sacrificed for all of us.
Each and every one of us faces the moral obligation to never let them feel left behind. Remember, we too will grow old someday and may have a similar fate!
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