Seniors Don’t Have to Live Alone
Living alone can be tough on anyone.
While we all love to have our independence and privacy, living alone can lead to loneliness, social isolation, and depression. Unfortunately, many seniors experience isolation in their daily lives. However, there are traditional and creative options for seniors who don’t want to live by themselves.
The Dangers of Social Isolation in Seniors
According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau (p. 131), over 32% of Americans ages 75 to 84 live alone. For people 85 and up, that percentage climbs to 48%. So why is this a problem? We are all happier when we experience social contact on some scale, but there is actual scientific data that supports both the mental and physical benefits of social living.
A study from the Annals of Family Medicine found that social interaction can improve mood and quality of life. Another study found that socializing can literally improve the physical health of an elderly person. In this study, Canadian researchers found that when people eat in groups, their nutritional intake improves.
Isolation is dangerous for seniors and can cause many different mental and even physical ailments, but there are options.
Options for Seniors Living Alone
Many people, seniors or otherwise, simply enjoy living on their own. As long as living alone doesn’t cause isolation, there’s really nothing wrong with that. But issues can occur when someone is cut off from social activity. And, quite frankly, some people simply prefer living with another person.
There are many options that you can consider. The obvious one is senior living facilities and care centers. Depending on your personal needs and overall health, these can be a viable solution, and seniors may be able to have a roommate or share a communal space, such as a kitchen and living room.
House sharing is another realistic option for seniors who don’t want to live alone. According to Healthy Aging Magazine, it’s not uncommon for seniors who are living by themselves to invite other people to live with them. This not only beneficial for a senior’s social life, it can also help reduce expenses, as bills and utilities can be divided, just like college roommates!
In many cases, condominiums or apartments offer a good combination of independence, privacy, and readily-available social interactions. In these settings, seniors won’t have to worry about yard maintenance or other chores that often come with home ownership, and they’ll be able to live in a spacious, comfortable home that allows them to maintain independence and privacy. As an added bonus, many facilities provide organized events and social gatherings, which reduces the chances of isolation. While seniors may be technically living alone in their condo, they’ll have convenient access to all the social life they desire, and they can pick and choose which events they want to be a part of.
Make Your Transition Simple with Change is Good!
Change is Good can help with your life transition. Whether you are moving into a smaller home or a senior-care facility, we’ll make the moving process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Moving can be difficult, but when you work with Change is Good, we’ll handle everything from start to finish. Contact us today to learn more!
Assistance is just a click or call away. A senior move manager can help. The National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) is the leading membership organization for Senior Move Managers. It is the first place you should look to to find a certified member in your area to make sure you are taken care of. At Change Is Good, we meet and exceed all standards by NASMM and are accredited members to ensure a refreshing experience.
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