Distancing yourself from others is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but it can lead to feeling lonely and isolated. Isolation has a significant impact on health, contributing to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and dementia. Although, the world health organization recommends for people to keep socializing at a distance – online or through the phone.
Isolation and Mental Health
It’s important to consider who is the most at risk and what signs or symptoms to look out for.
Mental and physical health is affected in a good way by positive social interaction. It’s even believed that relationships are a biological need and vital to our well-being and survival. Having a social support network has a significant positive effect on health – many countries even treat loneliness as a health priority.
Some of the mental health risks associated with loneliness and isolation may include:
- depression
- anxiety
- schizophrenia
- suicide
- dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers have also identified links between loneliness and some physical conditions, such as heart disease and breast cancer.
The Most At Risk
Seniors are the most likely to feel isolated from others during social distancing – more than 8 million elderly are affected by isolation.
Senior’s risk for loneliness is higher due:
- retirement
- widowhood
- children leaving home
- age-related health problems
Major life changes can lead to social ties breaking, which makes it more difficult to socialize.
What to Look For
Certain signs and symptoms can show if isolation is taking a toll on a senior’s mental health, such as :
- feelings of depression and anxiety
- aggressive behavior
- passive attitude
- poor sleep quality
- cognitive decline
- altered memory
- poor self-care or self-neglect
Staying Connected
Seniors are more connected than ever – 85% of seniors 65 and older owned a cell phone with 46% of those owning a smartphone. The willingness of seniors to interact with technology can help lower rates of isolation and depression, which can have devastating consequences for senior health.
Top apps for virtual connections
- Skype
One of the most popular apps for video chatting is Skype. It’s a free app that can be downloaded to a mobile device or a laptop or desktop. The app features HD video, live subtitles, and call recording so that you can relive those special moments caught on video.
- Facetime
FaceTime is specifically for iPhone users and can only be used to call other iPhone users. FaceTime is a free app for video calls, similar to Skype.
- Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is available to both Facebook users and non-users. On Facebook Messenger, you can chat, send a video, or make an audio or video call.
Fairmont Grand Senior Living Community
Fairmont Grand is a resident-centered senior living and memory care facility in Rapid City, SD. Our goal is to create an environment where resident well-being is at the heart of everything we do.
Our wide range of services are designed to meet you or your loved one’s daily needs. We offer restaurant-style dining options, a variety of physical activities, and give residents the opportunity to live as independently as possible.
If you or a loved one near Rapid City, South Dakota are considering assisted living or memory care, contact Fairmont Grand to learn more about individualized living options or tour our community.
