Social Groups for Seniors: Preventing Isolation in Seniors

Elderly adults have an increased risk of loneliness due to living alone, losing family and friends, and experiencing hearing loss or chronic illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that social isolation impacts almost 25% of senior adults aged 65 and older.

Isolation and loneliness have a profound effect on physical and mental health, as well as overall quality of life. That’s why Amazing Home Care pushes initiatives to counteract isolation, such as encouraging participation in social groups for seniors.

The Risks of Isolation in the Elderly

About 34% of adults aged 50 to 80 experience feelings of isolation. Although social isolation and loneliness are not the same thing, one can lead to the other to create a downward spiral that can seriously affect physical and mental health.

When it comes to wellness risks, social isolation is on a level with obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking. Isolation in seniors is responsible for a 32% increased risk of a stroke and a 29% increased risk of heart disease. Among heart patients specifically, the risks of isolation and loneliness are substantial:

• Emergency room visits: 57% increase
• Hospitalization: 68% increase
• Early death: Nearly 400% increase

The cognitive and psychological effects of social isolation in seniors are also significant. The risk of dementia increases by 50%, and loneliness causes higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide.

Furthermore, the physical and mental effects of isolation may be even more prevalent among older immigrants, minorities, and LGBT populations, according to the CDC. These groups often experience a lack of social ties, discrimination, and healthcare barriers, which can affect the number and quality of interpersonal connections. Victims of elder abuse may also experience higher rates of isolation if their abusers limit access to social situations or promise retaliation for reaching out for help.

The effects of isolation and loneliness among senior adults can be life-threatening. One way to combat the risks is to prevent isolation by encouraging participation in social groups for seniors.

The Power of Social Groups in Combating Isolation

If you are starting to notice the warning signs of problematic isolation — withdrawal, mood swings, or changes in eating and sleeping habits — rest assured that there are solutions for your elderly loved one. Although it may be difficult at first to encourage them to engage in structured social activities, the benefits outweigh any potential struggle.

Reduced Risk of Mental Health Issues

Participating in social groups improves mood, memory, and cognition, leading to a significant reduction in depression and anxiety in elderly people. Often, socialization also facilitates healthy behaviors, such as exercise or eating better, that contribute to psychological health by making seniors feel good about themselves.

Increased Physical Activity

The simple act of leaving home to visit friends or do an activity is already building healthier physical habits, reducing the risks of:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis

In a study of more than 14,000 adults, researchers found that residential areas with high levels of social capital scored particularly high in the physical mobility category, as reported by the Greater Good Science Center.

Enhanced Cognitive Function

Engaging in social groups with like-minded people increases brain activity in multiple neural regions, and can protect against atrophy and improve cognitive health. A five-year study demonstrated that older adults with extensive social networks experience 39% less cognitive decline and 50% less memory decline than others with limited social engagement, according to the Mather Group.

Improved Emotional Support

Senior adults often experience a sense of belonging, acceptance, and mutual advocacy in their social groups. Group activities provide a strong emotional support network, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Routine and a Sense of Purpose

Social groups give seniors something to look forward to and make them feel valued and a part of the community. Regular meetings help establish a routine and give structure to their day. Plus, seniors who regularly participate in community-based groups report higher levels of happiness and purpose, according to the Greater Good Science Center.

Beneficial Social Groups for Seniors

When seniors join social groups, they experience community and belonging in structured activities with regular outside interaction.

Here are some examples of social groups for seniors:

• Hobby-based groups
• Exercise groups
• Educational groups
• Social and cultural groups
• Volunteer and service groups

Social groups also give senior adults access to valuable resources and information, plus emotional support from their peers or friends.