The Role Of Loneliness In Older Adults

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people. Studies show that interacting with people of any age can decrease loneliness. In response to this need, there are numerous organizations that send volunteers to the homes of elderly people to provide friendship and assistance as needed (Prosper Home Care, 2014). An older adult can also choose to volunteer with younger adults. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) runs a senior companions program, in which an older adult offers companionship and assistance to another, possibly younger, adult with tasks of daily living, such as paying bills or shopping. This volunteer experience not only benefits the adults in need of help, but also the older adults providing the service (CNCS, 2015).
Interaction with children has also shown to decrease loneliness in the elderly. Hospitals often accept senior volunteers to interact with and entertain sick children. Julie Sullivan, owner of GreatCare, an in-home care provider, explains that loneliness can be decreased when the older adult has frequent interactions with his or her grandchildren. Interestingly, Sullivan states that elderly people often prefer spending time with children
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Decreased mobility may result from various reasons, including muscular, neurological, heart or lung problems. Older adults may also choose to remain at home due to fear of falling, pain or impaired vision. Shelley Webb, registered nurse and geriatric care manager, explains that elderly people who remain at home because of limited mobility often become isolated and therefore almost always experience feelings of loneliness. In an article about immobility, Webb offers suggestions for older adults to overcome immobility and the accompanying loneliness. One such recommendation is to use supportive devices such as ankle supports, canes, walkers or wheelchairs These enable people with limited mobility to leave the home and perform desired activities safely (Webb,

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