Adopt a pet to help combat loneliness. Having a dog or cat, or even a bird or fish, gives you something to care for besides yourself. Pets also make good companions.
Isolation and loneliness — a common problem among the elderly — often leads to depression. Currently, about 43.1 million people in the United States are 65 years or older. That number will increase to about 70 million by 2030 as baby boomers age. Fortunately, depression is a curable disease with medication and talk therapy. Loneliness, which is a state of being, only can be alleviated with some effort and help. With that in mind, 101 Senior Living editors put together this list of four ways to keep the blues at bay.
1. Join a social network online Maintaining a social lifestyle is never as easy as it sounds, so let’s go through a few different ways to retain, or develop, social contact. One avenue for social contact is the Internet. It might sound counterintuitive, but getting online opens countless possibilities to connect to people near and far. Join a social network to reconnect with old friends, coworkers and distant relatives.
2. Seek out a senior center Staying connected isn’t just for the computer world. Your local senior center plans activities and meals that are easy to join. And if you’re the religious type, worship services offer a weekly chance to engage in the community. Also, most places of worship offer services to members who are shut-ins or can’t attend.
3. Tend to a plant or a pet Having something to take care of provides companionship and a sense of purpose. Those able to have a pet generally are less depressed and feel more socially engaged. Small and large pets require exercise and play, which rubs off on their owners. Even if a pet isn’t a viable option, keeping up with a house plant or tending a garden have greatly reduced stress in elderly patients suffering from loneliness, according to experts.
4. Make your muscles move Walking might be difficult, but just about anyone can practice some form of tai chi, an ancient martial art that promotes core strength and balance. Classes are often offered at low costs, or even for free. Tai chi is practiced by people of all ages and fitness levels but is beneficial to seniors as a major way to prevent falls.
