With the rise in popularity of older adults aging in place, loved ones and caretakers have expressed growing concern over the negative affects of social isolation. As dexterity and vision fades, driving becomes more dangerous, causing the millions of older adults who live in suburban or rural areas to begin to feel disconnected from their community.
Social isolation can even become a serious health risk. One study argued that loneliness can expose sufferers to comparable levels of health risks as smoking. Socially engaged adults also have higher immune system functions and are twice as likely to live long and healthy lives.
Unfortunately, the number of older adults experiencing loneliness seems to be rising. Two recent surveys found that 40 percent of adults report being lonely, double the number in the 1980s. Despite this troubling trend, most of us still feel uncomfortable talking about loneliness.
However, the appropriate use of technology can help to combat these feelings and re-engage older adults with loved ones, interests and the community.
David Gladden, 67, told the AARP that he felt "in a rut" and "kind of lost" before attending the organization's Connecting to Community (C2C) program, which helps older adults use technology to form their own social networks and combat loneliness. This is accomplished through seeking out shared interests with others on social media sites and community forums.
This classes are not available everywhere yet. For older adults or loved ones interested in the role technology can play in avoiding loneliness and sparking social engagement, Independa's senior living technology may hold the answer.
Independa offers a social engagement solution delivered through a simple, intuitive user interface called Angela™. Designed specifically with the needs of older adults in mind with larger screen fonts, higher contrast and brighter colors, Angela™ offers effortless access to family photo and message sharing, video chat, community events and more.
Curious how Angela™ can help you or a loved one avoid the negative effects of social isolation? Contact us today to schedule a demo.
