Loneliest time for seniors
Christmas can be the loneliest time of the year for seniors, despite the festive season being regarded as a time to enjoy the company of family and friends.
Christmas can be the loneliest time of the year for seniors, despite the festive season being regarded as a time to enjoy the company of family and friends.
More than 20% of older Australians are socially isolated, which can result in insomnia, depression, a greater likelihood of developing dementia and elevated blood pressure, among other health problems.
Professor Andrew Beer, from the University of Adelaide, says social isolation is equivalent to the health effects of smoking 15 cigarettes a day and twice as harmful as obesity.
A Queensland aged care provider is urging people to check up on the wellbeing of elderly loved ones, friends and neighbours and to make an effort in ensuring that they are not alone this Christmas.
“The Christmas holiday period can be a pleasant time for many, but it can be a painful reminder for some people—especially seniors who have lost their partner,” Tall Trees cofounder, Phil Usher, says.
“Many older Australians experience isolation from their family due to their children’s work or geographic circumstances and not having any close friends to keep them company in their absence.
“Christmas can be a reminder to be thankful for the people you value in your life, and a time to seek out relatives or neighbours who may be feeling a little down or lonely and find ways to cheer them up.”
Mr Usher says although the season is one where families come together and celebrate the spirit of the holiday, many children may worry about where their parents go home to after Christmas Day.
“If you are becoming increasingly concerned about their health and wellbeing as they return to their home alone, it may mean that they shouldn’t be going home to an empty house.
“It’s integral that as our parents age they are cared for not only in terms of health, but they should become a part of a socially active community where they can interact with friends on a daily basis.”
