Social isolation is a significant problem for older Americans, and one that’s continuing to grow, with 27% of over 60s living along and at the biggest risk of becoming isolated.

When you think of older Americans, what comes to mind? Many people imagine retired couples spending their golden years traveling the country or playing with their grandchildren. However, social isolation is becoming a significant issue for an increasing number of retirees.

Not everyone gets to grow old with a partner. Some people live alone. Some people have no family or family that lives far away. In fact, more than 27% of adults aged 60 and older live alone. This number represents a staggering rise. In 1990, only 6% of older people lived alone.

Loneliness is an epidemic. More than half of older adults experienced loneliness and social isolation last year, and this number is on the rise. Approximately 57% of older people experienced feelings of isolation in 2021, an increase from 27% just two years prior.

And while it is never pleasant to feel lonely and isolated, the consequences of loneliness are far-reaching. For example, people who experience loneliness are 59% more likely to experience physical and cognitive decline. They are also at risk of developing several health conditions and health problems.

Lonely people have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, heart disease, and stroke, as well as depression and anxiety, according to the CDC. This makes loneliness a significant health issue for seniors, as well as a wider public health issue.

From a more practical standpoint, loneliness can be exceptionally dangerous if an older person suffers an accident, becomes incapacitated, and cannot get help.

Therefore, it is crucial for older people to develop and cultivate a support network and keep themselves mentally sharp even if they do live alone.

Why do older people live alone?

Older people who live alone have many reasons for their lifestyle choice. They may have been widowed or divorced later in life and prefer not to remarry or live with a partner. Some people enjoy the independence of living alone and do not want to go into assisted living arrangements or nursing homes unless necessary.

Others may not have a choice in the matter. Their family may live far away, or they may not have any close family members.

There are wider societal reasons for older people living alone, too. While 27% of US adults live alone, this number is closer to 16% of the population in other countries. And in countries in areas like the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa, only around 5% of older people live alone.

This is because, in more prosperous countries, households tend to be smaller, people tend to have fewer children in later life, and more people live past their childbearing years. Government assistance in wealthier countries is often more generous, too, allowing older people to remain in their own homes in their older age.

Living with extended family makes more sense in terms of sharing financial resources, too, which is another reason why people in less prosperous nations tend to have bigger households.

Further, cultural and religious factors play a role in living arrangements in some countries. For instance, Hindus are the most likely to live in an extended family arrangement where they live with several relatives.

Regardless of the reasons behind living alone, the lack of social interaction and social connections can lead to severe mental health issues. Therefore, it is vital that older people, who are already at higher risk of certain health issues, take steps to combat loneliness.

Here are some ways older people tackle loneliness and social isolation.

Staying connected with friends and family

Staying connected with loved ones is crucial, even if they live far away. Technology has made this easier than ever, thanks to social media and tools that facilitate video chats.

And while, for many older people, video calls do not feel as interactive as seeing family members in real life, a recent poll found that 90% of people feel that video calls during the pandemic helped them combat feelings of loneliness. The use of video calls for socializing surged by 80% during the coronavirus pandemic.

Breaking the monotony of a quiet day by catching up with a friend or relative can improve older people’s quality of life.

For older people who aren’t as tech-savvy, phone calls may be a good alternative. It’s a good idea to schedule weekly calls with close friends and family members so that older people can have the social interactions they need for their mental well-being.

Of course, seeing people in real life is preferable to video calls via phone apps, so if it is possible to arrange social activities with friends and family who live nearby, that will go a long way to reducing the risk factors associated with social isolation.

Making an effort to stay in touch with friends and family, even if it’s just a short call or text message, can make a massive difference to someone feeling lonely.

Some older people may feel like they’re being a burden when they reach out to relatives who might be busy with their own lives. But this is hardly ever the case. Older people should not feel bad about reaching out and communicating their needs proactively.

Their needs are valid, and their loved ones should respect them and try to accommodate them to the best of their ability.

Giving back to the community

Another great way to combat loneliness is by giving back to the community. Volunteering is a fantastic way to make new friends and give older people a sense of purpose.

There are many volunteer opportunities, even for those who may not be able to leave their homes. Many organizations need help with fundraising, social media, or administrative tasks.

While older people may not be in full-time work anymore, they may still have valuable experiences from their previous careers that could benefit a good cause.

Volunteering from home will still create a sense of belonging, while team video chats will result in feeling less lonely.

And for mobile older people who can get out and about, there are plenty of organizations that could use a helping hand, including animal shelters and food banks. The Feeding America network is an excellent example of a non-profit organization that older people could offer to volunteer at.

Giving back to the local community is a great way to curb the effects of loneliness while making a difference.

How to find volunteering opportunities in the local area

Finding volunteering opportunities in the local area shouldn’t be difficult. Many great causes need volunteers with flexible schedules and plenty of experience. Retirees are the perfect candidates.

To find volunteering opportunities, older people could:

• Check out their local church or place of worship for charitable initiatives in need of support
• Ask their network of friends, relatives, and acquaintances for potential leads
• Phone up local charities and non-profit organizations to see whether there are any volunteering opportunities available
• Use community groups on social media to ask for recommendations on volunteering in the local area

Staying mentally and physically active

Older people need to stay mentally and physically active. Not only does this help keep loneliness at bay, but it also has numerous other benefits for mental and physical health.

There are many ways to do this, from joining a local gym or swimming club to taking up a new hobby like painting or gardening. In addition, physical activity is a great way to stave off other risk factors like obesity and high blood pressure.

Gardening, in particular, is linked to longer life span. Farmworkers are less likely to die of cancer, heart disease, or diabetes than the general population. This has been linked to spending time outdoors and soil contact. Gardening also comes with a sense of accomplishment and a better living environment.

Older people can also join social clubs or groups that meet regularly, such as book clubs. This gives them something to look forward to and a chance to socialize with like-minded people. Reading is also linked to reduced cognitive decline. People who read twice a week are less likely to experience cognitive decline, according to a study spanning 14 years.

There are also plenty of public speaking groups, like ToastMasters, that instill confidence in participants and help people develop social skills. These groups could be great for older people who have felt socially isolated for a while and are reluctant about socializing.

Taking on a part-time job

While many older people prefer to enjoy their well-deserved retirement without any further commitments to a job, some find themselves with too much free time on their hands. A part-time job could be just the thing to earn some extra cash while interacting with the local community.

Older people could, for instance, opt to work as cashiers in the local supermarket. This is an excellent opportunity to interact with the public and prevent social isolation. Also, they can become part of a tight-knit team at work and form friendships.

Other suitable jobs for older people, depending on their skills, could include substitute teachers, private tutors, caregivers for elderly adults, or administrators at local businesses.

Many part-time jobs offer flexible hours and the opportunity to work with other people. The key here is to find a job that is either customer-facing or office-based. This ensures that older people will get the facetime to tackle social isolation.

Tackling loneliness by building a support network and keeping busy

Loneliness is a significant health issue for seniors. Older adults who live alone are more likely to experience physical and cognitive decline. Social isolation can also be exceptionally dangerous if an older person suffers an accident, becomes incapacitated, and cannot get help.

Older people sometimes choose to live alone because they like feeling a sense of independence. As a result, they shun nursing homes and assisted living facilities even if their partner has passed on. But loneliness can prevail, especially when friends or family don’t live in the area.

Therefore, it is vital for older people to cultivate their own support networks to avoid social isolation. They can do this by making an active effort to contact friends and relatives, volunteering, joining book clubs, and participating in physical activities like swimming at the community pool.

But older people should also ensure they have plenty of hobbies to keep them busy at home, such as gardening, which can actually improve people’s health and has been shown to improve longevity.

There are several things older people can do to combat loneliness and social isolation. They involve building a support network and keeping busy. Staying connected with friends and family, giving back to the community, staying mentally and physically active, and benefitting from social schemes designed to tackle loneliness are all great ways to keep loneliness at bay.