The what, when, why and how of social isolation and aging in place
What is aging in place? “Aging in place is a term used to describe the act of living in the residence of your choice as you age while ensuring the necessary support and services in response to your changing personal needs.” (Source: AgeInPlacePros.com) Aging in one place literally means staying in your home as long as possible. While we all seem to think this is what we would naturally want, there can be serious naysayers to choosing this option.
One of these naysayers is social isolation and it’s also one that on-site aging experts take very seriously when discussing the option to stay at home as aging occurs. Social isolation can develop when continuing to live at home causes a lack of communication with others. This results in the older adult feeling lonely due to the loss of contact or companionship, as well as a deficit in close and genuine communication with others. It can also be the self-perception of being alone even when one is in the company of other people.
Twenty-eight percent of Americans over the age of 65 live alone, so this is an issue for all who are exploring staying at home as they age. (Source: Cornell Institute for Translational Research on Aging, Research Review, March 2007)
The causes of social isolation are many. Retirement, the death of a spouse or significant other, health problems, and even reduced income can create situations in which one separates from social contacts. However, the key here is how we choose to respond to these changes, and our responses can make a difference in creating a positive or negative outcome.
It does not matter if we retire, have health problems, if we experience the loss of a loved one or even have to learn with less income and unless we live in a residence that offers activities and transportation, have the ability to connect with others. it is essential to avoid any type of isolation. Making sure we have transportation that allows us to make these connections is also crucial.
Take seriously the statement “Social integration, the opposite of social isolation, has been found to be generally beneficial to health from adulthood to old age. “(Source: Cornell Institute for Translational Research on Aging, Research Review, March 2007).
What is social integration? It is participation in a wide range of relationships and activities. While it may seem like your grandmother is doing nothing but playing bingo, in reality, she is making valuable social connections that will ultimately help her stay mentally (and physically) healthy. She talks to others about herself, her community, her family, and other things that are important to her and the people she talks to so that they will listen to her.
Older adults who volunteer their time, actively participate in family experiences, and make new and old friendships are much less likely to experience depression, develop health problems, and are more likely to practice good mental and physical health habits due to interaction with others.
Having the ability to get to where social interactions happen, be it at church, bingo, or a birthday party, is something I ask everyone who is considering staying home as they age to think ahead. I also ask them what they think they can’t live without. Transportation is often the key to retaining what is vitally important to them. If, for example, your health or eyesight don’t allow you to drive yourself, you’ll need the availability of public or private transportation (or some good friends!) To make sure you get where you want to go. Avoiding social isolation should be at the top of everyone’s “important things to consider” list when planning ahead for age.