Older Americans often endure social isolation, particularly those who live alone. While many people enjoy a certain level of solitude, social interaction can greatly increase your happiness and reduce depression. Here are four ways to ensure to combat this social isolation.
1. Provide Or Find Transportation
Often social isolation occurs because an older person simply has no means of transportation. For many older adults, using an automobile becomes too difficult and physical constraints keep people indoors. It is important to provide transportation for your parent or find a service that provides free or low-cost transportation for seniors.
Family members often are on hand to drive a parent to a doctor’s appointment, but what about also taking them to a friend’s house or chauffeuring a few of your mom’s friends to the movies or out to dinner? Offer to take your parent to church or to a social club of some type, an exercise class or perhaps a trip to the beauty salon or a local day spa or even to a local park or nature area.
2. Keep An Eye On Health
Sometimes people quit mixing with society simply because they don’t feel well or perhaps don’t hear or see as well as in earlier years. Restricted mobility also can be a big issue for many older adults. Hearing aids, new glasses and mobility aids can make it easier to get out. Encourage your older friend or parent to talk to their doctor about what types of technology can make life easier and better for them.
If you see that your parent seems tired and lethargic, don’t just let it go. This could be the sign of an illness or depression. Depression is extremely common among older adults and, just like any other ailment, it needs to be treated.
3. Help Them Discover New Hobbies & Goals
Often it’s hard to transition from full-time work to retirement, and many people really just don’t know what to do with themselves. However, there are many options to consider. Some seniors might enjoy donating time helping out at a local elementary school; others might enjoy working for a charity.
Most local community colleges offer low-cost emeritus programs specifically for older adults. These include all sorts of classes, including exercise classes, cooking classes, history classes, computer classes, photography classes and much more. Offer to drive a parent or friend to a weekly class.
4. Consider Transitioning To A Senior Community
Your retirement years are meant to be full and happy, and sometimes moving into a retirement community or an assisted living facility can be a great way to meet people, stay active and enjoy life. Many assisted living facilities offer a full schedule of weekly events as well as providing daily exercise classes and weekly excursions.
These days assisted living in San Diego, Oceanside, Escondido and throughout Southern California can be a perfect option for an older person who needs a bit of extra help with housekeeping, laundry and daily grooming but is still wanting to enjoy a busy, active lifestyle. Contact the experts at Care Placement today and we can help you find a facility that will help you make the most out of your retirement years.