seniors SPOTTING THE SIGNS AND OPENING
MINDS
Fighting Social isocation in Your Senior Loved Ones • By Simona Valanciute
I
f you’re the caretaker of a parent or other elderly relative, it can be challenging to convince your loved one to try something new. However, what you may perceive as stubbornness could be a sign they are experiencing social isolation, which poses serious risks to their health and wellbeing. Social distancing, while important to containing the coronavirus, may exacerbate their loneliness by taking away normal routines and activities, as well as physical contact and hugs from family and friends. It’s now more important than ever for caretakers to identify the signs of social isolation and help loved ones find ways to stay curious and engaged with the world virtually. Multiple studies have shown social isolation is as bad for a person’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and is even more harmful than obesity; it has also been linked to higher blood pressure, a lowered 26
L’CHAIM SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE • MAY 2020
immune response and earlier onset of dementia. A few ways an older parent or relative may show negative effects of social isolation are: lack of interest in staying connected to the outside world, their hobbies or social activities they once enjoyed; poor personal hygiene; signs of poor nutrition, such as rapid weight gain or loss, or lack of appetite; significant disrepair, clutter or hoarding behavior in their home; having trouble sleeping, or sleeping more than usual; and/or declines in memory or information processing. It can be difficult to convince an older loved one to get outside their comfort zone, whether that’s embracing different ways of communicating through technology or trying new activities. Change is hard for people of any age, and seniors especially may rely on rigid ways of thinking to navigate a constantly changing world and feel
