How Loneliness and Depression May Be Effecting Your Loved One

Uncategorized  |  December 8, 2018

The holidays may be full of celebrations, gathering relatives and friends from afar, but elderly adults who have physical and emotional challenges at this time of year may not think the festive season is all that bright.

Chronic disease, discomfort, and mobility challenges can make it difficult for older adults to participate in holiday festivities. Isolation and loneliness may result, with their sadness and depression creating an impact on their physical, as well as emotional well-being.

Recently, several studies have concluded that loneliness can affect the brain and even bring on the onset of dementia more quickly.

Researchers point out the connection between feelings of loneliness and cardiac disease, also. Harvard researchers followed 44,000 people with cardiac disease for four years. They discovered that 8 % of the patients living alone had died, compared to only 5.7 % of those who were living with a spouse, friend or family member.

After researchers at the University of California in San Francisco kept watch on a group of older adults for six years, they reported that almost one-fourth of all the aging adults who had expressed feelings of isolation and loneliness had died by the end. 25 % more had significant health declines during this time.

We do have some good news to report: the aging adults who had said they were feeling content and satisfied with their lives did better. Only 12.5 % had a health decline, and 14.2 % had passed away.

We’re here to help!

During the festive season, caregivers from your local Comfort Keepers® can provide support to adults needing care through Interactive Caregiving™, an innovative approach to care that can help combat loneliness and isolation. Caregivers create strong connections with the people they care for.

With this type of professional care, older adults can have meaningful interaction. The caregivers can help to cook a holiday meal, decorate the tree, address holiday cards, or anything else to enhance the quality of life for the person needing home care. Caregivers can also transport their clients to family activities, so nobody misses out on holiday family traditions.

Our compassionate caregivers are not contractors but bonded and insured, trained employees, who provide home care for adults, allowing people to remain in their own homes. Contact us for more information on home care that can help with emotional well-being, during the holidays or at any time.

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