Confronting Isolation and Loneliness

Moving into assisted living can feel like an overwhelming change. It can mean sorting through decades of belongings, saying goodbye to a family home, and closing one chapter of life. Yet, it also marks the beginning of an incredible journey filled with new opportunities and daily adventures. 

If you’re contemplating senior living options, you may have questions. The good news? We have answers. Start or continue the conversation with one of our trusted associates today to make the decision-making process smoother and more informed. Whether you’re looking for retirement living for yourself or comprehensive care for a loved one, we’re here to guide you through your choices. 

The Impact of Isolation and Loneliness

Isolation and chronic loneliness are significant concerns for seniors, going beyond the occasional feeling of solitude. These issues can lead to serious health problems, including depression, dementia, and heart disease, which in turn can foster more unhealthy behaviors. According to a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered socially isolated. Factors such as living alone, loss of family or friends, chronic illnesses, and hearing loss increase the risk of loneliness and social isolation among older adults. 

In an enlightening article in Forbes Health, Jennifer L. FitzPatrick, a licensed clinical social worker and gerontology instructor at Johns Hopkins University, highlights the dangers of isolation. “Loneliness and isolation have severe repercussions on physical, mental, and cognitive health,” FitzPatrick explains. She adds that regular interaction with associates and fellow residents in assisted living communities — even minimal engagement in activities — profoundly benefits seniors’ well-being. Many assisted living facilities, including Watermark Retirement Communities®, contract with mental health professionals to provide on-site psychotherapy and psychiatric consultations.

FitzPatrick notes the positive impact that even minimal social interactions in assisted living settings can have on seniors. This interaction is crucial because, as recent National Poll on Healthy Aging findings suggest, about one-third of older adults report infrequent social contact, which correlates strongly with health outcomes. 

Insights from the Campaign to End Loneliness reveal that loneliness not only affects mental health but can also lead to other physical health risks, such as higher blood pressure and disrupted sleep patterns. These physical manifestations highlight the intricate link between social interaction and overall health, emphasizing the necessity for engaging community spaces in assisted living facilities.

Taking a Proactive Approach

Recognizing these risks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advocate for health care providers to regularly assess seniors for signs of loneliness and connect them to community resources. This proactive approach in health care aligns with the community-focused solutions provided by settings like Watermark. At a Watermark senior living community, various social activities and personal interactions are encouraged to ensure that residents lead vibrant and connected lives.

Watermark aims to create a supportive environment that counters the effects of isolation and loneliness by addressing the mental and physical aspects of health. Our efforts are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our residents, ensuring they have access to a thriving community that supports their health and well-being.

Take the Next Step

Interested in learning more about how assisted living can provide a community-focused solution to loneliness? Reach out to one of our trusted associates today. Whether you’re considering options for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to help you navigate your choices and ensure a smooth transition to a more connected, engaging lifestyle.