Isolation is a common issue for older adults, and chronic situations can negatively impact seniors’ cognitive and physical health.
According to data from the National Poll On Healthy Aging, this cycle leads to more infrequent contact with others with 56% of surveyed seniors reporting such behaviors due to worsening health. Such increasing trends inspired the U.S. Surgeon General to coin the term “epidemic of loneliness”.
Senior living communities like Morada Lake Hefner help combat social isolation in seniors through activity calendars, wellness, and community design. Family members, friends, and older adults are also encouraged to apply coping strategies to improve outcomes.
Learn more in this comprehensive guide to preventing loneliness in seniors.
Establish a Consistent Communication Routine
Lack of communication can worsen as adults age. Establishing a weekly communication schedule can make a huge difference, especially for recently widowed seniors.
Families can purchase family plans for their mobile phones to keep everyone connected on the same plan. Group texting and group calls are also encouraged. These help seniors feel surrounded by family even if their loved ones live further away.
Technology and Social Support for Seniors
This is the perfect time to take up social media. More seniors are using social media apps like Facebook and Instagram. Facebook, especially, is an excellent platform for staying connected with family and friends.
Facebook is free to sign up. All seniors need is an email address or a cell phone number. Immediately, new users can upload profile pictures and add family members to their friends list.
Seniors can create photo albums on Facebook by uploading photos directly to the site. This step may require scanning photos. Otherwise, users can simply plug in a digital camera and upload their photos.
It’s also a great way for seniors to see photos their families are posting, no matter the distance. Facebook even has birthday reminders that alert families of their loved ones’ birthdays. Seniors can leave “Happy Birthday” messages and digital Birthday cards on Facebook walls.
Email is an effective way to stay connected. Gmail is another free service that allows seniors to keep a free email address. Gmail accounts also include real-time messaging, photo uploads, and group chats.
Family members can schedule weekly phone calls on a senior’s Google Calendar to alert them of their next call. Video conferencing tools are also available to assist seniors with family communication.
Video calling apps include:
- Skype
- Google Meet
- Microsoft Teams
- Zoom
- FaceTime
- Adobe Connect
These apps allow seniors to talk to multiple family members at once. Seeing loved ones’ faces helps a great deal in managing isolation. Family members are encouraged to visit their loved ones residing in senior living communities.
Activities to Prevent Social Isolation in Seniors
Seniors struggling with isolation are also encouraged to try new activities. Arts and crafts, brain games, and outdoor activities help reduce the stress and anxiety associated with senior loneliness and can also help foster positive mindsets.
Excelling at an activity instills more confidence and creative inspiration, which are vital for establishing healthy social circles. Senior living communities provide a packed social calendar of group activities designed to foster healthy connections.
For example, the social calendar at Morada Lake Hefner is posted every month.
Activities typically include:
- Weekly stretches and light exercises
- Weekly game nights like Bingo and playing cards
- Movie nights
- Meet and greets for new residents
- Coffee social hours
- Outings to local dining and shops
- Visiting speakers
The community’s landscaping is designed for walking in mind. Residents enjoy delightful garden paths, outdoor seating, and space for outdoor exercises. Seniors are also encouraged to join walking clubs; a walking buddy or group helps combat the effects of isolation on elderly individuals.
Community Involvement for Seniors
Volunteering is an excellent way to reduce social isolation and reignite purpose in seniors. There are so many ways to volunteer in a community, especially in Oklahoma City.
Ideas include:
- Volunteering at local libraries
- Becoming a museum docent
- Parks and recreation volunteering
- Donating books and items to local charities
- Starting a canned food drive
- Teaching free classes
- Joining a community garden
Seniors can find volunteer opportunities online or contact organizations directly. Senior living residents may receive assistance in procuring volunteering opportunities from an on-site professional.
Oklahoma City is a great area to explore, as well. Talk to your community’s activities director about scheduling outings to local museums, theaters, restaurants, and other attractions. Seniors are also welcome to enroll in courses at local colleges and universities.
Local libraries regularly host free classes and talks from authors, local historians, artists, and other speakers. Seniors can also join book clubs to meet and discuss interesting books with fellow readers. Senior living residents are encouraged to start book clubs with fellow residents.
Seniors can also join local walking clubs and exercise meet-ups. Physical fitness helps manage senior depression, anxiety, and isolation. Exercise reduces irritability and reinstills a sense of independence in seniors, essential for supporting mental health in older adults.
Visiting family members are encouraged to take senior residents to parks and walking paths to enjoy more fresh air and exercise. They can also host picnics and outdoor birthday parties for loved ones.
Popular parks in Oklahoma City include:
- Scissortail Parks
- Bricktown River Walk
- Hefner Lake and Park
- Martin Park Nature Center
- Will Rogers Park
Some areas may also be available to rent for small parties and outdoor classes for seniors.
Discover More Ways to Combat Isolation
Reducing social isolation in seniors is a priority of senior living communities. Now is the time to consider this option to prevent worsening issues with isolation and senior depression. Talk to a senior living professional about the above tips and more to foster a better senior future.
Morada Senior Living at Lake Hefner is managed by a team of experienced professionals dedicated to senior wellness. Our community is designed to improve socialization, cognitive health, nutrition, and more senior essentials.
Book a tour to see our thriving community in person or call us today to learn more about the possibilities of senior living communities.
