If your mom is living alone you probably worry about her falling or having an accident. But do you worry about her being lonely? Because research shows that being lonely can have significant health impacts for seniors. Your mom’s physical and mental health can be at risk if she is isolated or chronically lonely. In-home care providers can help.
Even if you live close to your mom and visit when you can she could still be lonely. Seniors who are aging in place need regular social interaction to stay healthy. And if you are working, or taking care of your kids, or dealing with other responsibilities your mom may not be getting enough socialization.
If your mom has in-home care she will get regular visits from a companion who can share meals and conversations with her. Or watch movies and play games with her. A companion may also crafts or other activities with your mom.
Loneliness often leads to depression. If your mom feels isolated, she may lose interest in things she used to enjoy. Your mom might feel sad, empty, or hopeless. Depression can make it hard for seniors to take care of themselves and may lower their quality of life.
Seniors who feel alone may experience higher levels of anxiety. Your mom could start to worry more about her health, her safety, her family, or the future. This constant worry could make it harder for your mom to relax, sleep, or enjoy everyday activities. Over time, anxiety can lead to sleep problems and other physical health effects.
If your mom is lonely she may experience faster cognitive decline. Without regular social interaction, seniors often experience memory loss. And their thinking skills can decline faster. Studies show that loneliness increases the risk of dementia. In-home care and regular socialization can lower your mom’s risk of dementia and slow down her cognitive decline.
Loneliness can weaken your mom’s immune system. When seniors feel lonely, their bodies may produce more stress hormones, which can reduce their ability to fight off infections. This makes them more likely to get sick or take longer to recover from illnesses.
In-Home Care High Springs FL – How Being Lonely Can Impact Your Mom’s Health
Being lonely can take a toll on your mom’s heart. Loneliness is linked to high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. Stress caused by loneliness makes the heart work harder, which can wear it down over time.
Loneliness can even shorten your mom’s life. Studies have shown that people who are lonely are more likely to die earlier than those who are socially active. Feeling isolated can affect both her mental and physical health, which reduces their overall well-being.
That’s why in-home care is essential for seniors, even seniors who have family nearby. It’s just not always possible for family members to completely fill in the socialization gap that seniors living alone experience.
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