It’s common for older adults to become inactive and withdraw from social activities as they age. The isolation is often caused by stress, fatigue, limited mobility, and cognitive impairment. However, your elderly parent can use the tips below to stay active and prevent isolation in the senior years.
Say “Yes” More
Accepting invitations to community and family events allows seniors to socialize with others. Older adults need to establish and maintain social connections as they age. The relationships provide companionship and motivation to get out of the house more.
Encourage your loved one to be flexible when it comes to going to local events, movies, or dinner outings with friends and family. Saying “yes” more often doesn’t mean your parent should agree to anything that makes him or her feel uncomfortable.
A home caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for a senior who’s at risk for isolation. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality homecare services. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Try Pet Sitting
Owning a dog or cat may not be in your parent’s best interests, but he or she may be able to pet sit for others from time to time to combat issues such as depression and isolation. Being around animals can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and provide encouragement to take up physical activities. Even spending a few hours a week with a pet can prevent loneliness and enhance mental and emotional wellbeing.
For families living in Huntsville, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Use Modern Technology
Video chatting with family and friends, joining social media platforms, and setting up an email account can help your loved one combat isolation while boosting his or her cognitive health. Modern technology allows seniors to instantly connect with others, even people who live far away. For example, your loved one can use a smartphone to video chat with his or her children and grandchildren or sign into Facebook to catch up with old friends. Your parent can also use email as a way to interact with others and maintain professional relationships.
Volunteer
After retirement, seniors want to enjoy their free time and stay away from work-related commitments. However, retirement could increase the risk of isolation unless older adults take up fun hobbies and social activities, which could include volunteering. Seniors have full control over how much time they donate, and they can pick the charity or nonprofit organization they want to work with. The good thing about volunteering is that your loved one can change things up as often as he or she wants but still receive companionship and have the opportunity to build lasting relationships.
Take a New Class
Learning something new can stimulate your loved one’s mind and keep him or her busy. Your parent can take yoga classes at a nearby senior center, foreign language courses at a local university, or arts and crafts lessons at a community center. Your loved one can also join a senior-friendly support group. Regardless, your loved one can learn new things and build relationships with like-minded people. Check with your loved one’s primary care physician about groups your loved one may enjoy.
Social isolation can result in mental, emotional, and physical challenges, but seniors don’t have to manage them alone. In Huntsville, elderly home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (256) 716-9940 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.