We can learn a lot from our seniors. But, of course, some of us are already seniors. We can attest to that firsthand because our grandparents taught kindness, respect, storytelling, empathy, and many other worthwhile lessons at a young age.
Today, many of our elderly are cast aside as insignificant and useless. Many are homeless or thrown in a substandard nursing home before their time. More elderly every year are experiencing financial insecurity. That said, perhaps the saddest fact about our 65 and older demographic is that a majority experience loneliness regularly. We cannot forget our older people just because they are aging.
Consider the following hypothetical scenario played out in every neighborhood in America. Imagine two houses in the same area, each containing a senior living alone. The seniors do not know one another. Many stay to themselves due to crime, social media, and financial hardship. One woman has visitors, friends, and relatives constantly dropping by and taking her shopping, etc. The other woman receives an occasional visit, but her kids don’t bother because they are too busy. This scenario seems fairly unalarming, except that it is becoming more of the norm rather than the exception.
Our elderly are lonely, and it is affecting their physical and mental health and their overall well-being. According to the National Library of Medicine, loneliness and social isolation in older adults are related to a significant morbidity and death rate. The risk factors are comparable to smoking, obesity, and alcohol abuse. As the elderly population is forecast to increase steadily over the next few years, the effects of elderly loneliness are expected to follow suit.
Older adults living and managing independently may still need assistance with some things, such as mobility. Impaired mobility keeps some seniors home for various reasons, including the extra effort it may take to go somewhere. Not everyone who self-isolates wants it that way. With a little help and encouragement, perhaps we can help those individuals lead a more social life.
Here are a few ways to help your aging loved one get out of the house and socialize.
One in four seniors over 65 experience depression and anxiety. Depression is the most common issue facing older adults. Ten percent of Americans over 65 have dementia, and another 22% experience some cognitive impairment. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports that over 750,000 Veterans over 65 have some form of dementia or cognitive dysfunction.
Although the numbers are alarming, programs and treatments exist to assist the elderly. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has many resources to guide seniors, their loved ones, and caregivers to the help they need.
Substance use in the 65 and over demographic is not as recognizable as one might think. Other disorders and physical ailments may mask the severity of the substance used in some older adults. The misuse of substances can be dangerous as the effect on seniors is different than on younger adults. Also, seniors often take regular medications, and substance abuse can affect an existing medical condition. Taking multiple medications can also make a person vulnerable to ill-effective drug interactions. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help for alcohol or substance misuse. Treatment is available for older adults.
The news is full of reports about the mistreatment of the elderly. Sadly, the damage ranges from hurt feelings to physical and emotional abuse. If you see physical abuse, report it to the police. See something, say something. We may remain silent when we witness a family member abusing an older member. Our silence does not help the abused or the abuser; both need help.
All humans deserve the right to dignity. Seeing a store clerk talk down to an older adult as if they were not intelligent is just one example of the daily attacks on seniors’ dignity. Talking to them as if they are children insults their intellect and hurts their feelings. Calling them dear, sweetie, and honey sets them apart from normal society when ma’am or sir would do quite nicely. Remember that our seniors have years of education, knowledge, and life experiences and deserve respect and acknowledgment.
Understanding the unique mental and physical health needs of seniors is essential for their quality of life and happiness. There are treatment centers specifically geared towards addressing the mental health and substance use issues prevalent among the elderly. Our directory can connect you with facilities that specialize in providing care for seniors.
These centers recognize the importance of balancing physical, mental, and social aspects of health, especially for seniors who may struggle with loneliness, depression, or substance use. The programs offered are tailored to meet the specific needs of older adults, providing a supportive environment where they can work towards recovery with dignity and respect.
If you or an elderly loved one is facing mental health challenges or dealing with substance use, explore our directory to find a treatment center that offers specialized care for seniors. Our listed facilities are staffed with compassionate professionals who are experienced in supporting seniors on their journey to a more fulfilling and sober life. Reach out today to learn more about the available options and begin the path towards improved well-being.
