As we age, the opportunities for social interaction can significantly diminish, especially for seniors.
Many find themselves feeling isolated, which can lead to serious mental health issues, including depression.
In a recent discussion with Dr. Melanie Melville, a psychiatrist from Legacy Community Health, she explained the impact of loneliness on older adults and the importance of maintaining social connections.
The challenge of loneliness
“Once kids are out of the house, maybe out of state, and people stop working, the opportunities for social interaction really diminish quite a lot. It’s not uncommon for our seniors to become depressed due to the loneliness,” Dr. Melville said.
She said this stage of life often brings about a reckoning of past experiences, which may not align with where individuals thought they would be. Additionally, financial and health constraints can limit access to activities that once brought joy.
Recognizing the signs
It’s crucial to pay attention to the signs of depression in older adults since it can also lead to physical health complications like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease and even death.
“We also know that changes in memory, dementia, can also start with symptoms of depression. So when you have an older adult who is isolated or who presents with symptoms of not enjoying activities that normally they would enjoy, their appetite is changing, you notice that they’re losing weight, they have trouble sleeping, they often feel sad, they’re not interacting as much as they would, it’s time to pay attention,” Dr. Melville said.
The importance of social interaction
So, what can be done to help combat loneliness?
“I will say that any social interaction is positive. Even just with a stranger, it actually counts,” Melville said. “Just getting out of the house will have benefits in and of itself, especially if you’re walking or adding some physical activity to your outing.”
Taking action
Whether it’s a chat with a stranger at the grocery store or a walk in the park, small steps can make a big difference in improving mental health and overall well-being.
It’s essential for families and communities to encourage seniors to stay connected and engaged.
