Seniors that live alone or are isolated from other seniors tend to withdraw from activities. This isolation leads to a rapid decline in one’s emotional and physical state. Without interactive conversation, you can start to evoke feelings as though you have no purpose or belonging. This can pull certain individuals into a deep depression affecting their mental health which can eventually evolve into physical sickness.
According to the the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science of the United States of America, loneliness and social isolation are directly linked to premature death. The study concluded that seniors who are not socially active had severe adverse effects on their health, including:
- High blood pressure
- Increased amounts of the stress hormone cortisol
- Less restorative, restful sleep
- Increased probability of developing a memory impairment
Not only can social isolation factor into an early death, but it can also cause unpleasant and unsafe experiences. Remaining engaged and happy is crucial to living a long, fulfilling life. A lot of factors can create social isolation, but that is why an independent living community, such as CaraVita Village, can help seniors overcome this challenge.