Many Seniors Suffer from Loneliness

According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), “18 percent of seniors live alone, while 43 percent report feeling lonely on a regular basis.”   They also found that people 60 years or older who reported being lonely had a 45% increase in a risk of death.  Furthermore, seniors who felt isolated had almost a 60% increase in the risk of mental and physical decline than those seniors who had more social contact.  

There are many reasons that seniors attribute to their feelings of loneliness: retirement, death of a spouse and other family members, and a lack of mobility.  Another factor leading to isolation for some seniors is that more people are choosing to not have children, which reduces the number of family members with a stake in their well-being.

A 2009 report taken from data gathered by the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project found that “seniors who feel lonely and isolated are more likely to report also having poor physical and/or mental health.”  As such, loneliness is also linked to a faster cognitive decline as well as a greater risk for depression. 

Assisted living communities such as MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills will offer seniors not only the security and comfort to age in place but also companionship along with a wide assortment of creative, thoughtful activities.  Opening this fall, our monthly calendar will have a steady stream of activities such as exercise classes, cards, word and puzzle games, movie nights, morning hymns, knitting groups, bingo, restaurant-style dining and much more.  Contact us to learn more about our beautiful home-like atmosphere and the comfort, wellness and community offered to our residents.     

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see our model suites and learn more about assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.   

Sources:  aplaceformom.com/blog/10-17-14-facts-about-senior-isolation/

agingcare.com/Articles/loneliness-in-the-elderly-151549.htm