Social isolation is one of the most common issues affecting seniors, and one cannot ignore its effects. Older adults can lose several social resources as they stop working and spend more time at home. Mobility limitations or health concerns can also stop seniors from getting out into the community and spending time around others.
Everyone requires regular social interaction to stay in good mental health, but it is even more important for seniors. Social isolation is associated with poor memory, cognitive decline, and even higher mortality rates in older adults. For your mental and cognitive happiness, it is essential that you get adequate quality time with family, friends, and other community members.
Hadar Swersky says that there are many ways to avoid loneliness in elders, some of which are mentioned below:

Although you cannot converse with      animals the way you can with people, owning a pet is incredibly      satisfying. A pet is a full-time companion that can help you stay away      from social isolation at home. It can be very comforting to have other      living beings in your home, especially if you live alone. There are several      other benefits of pet ownership for seniors as well. Taking care      of a pet adds routine and structure to the day, and petting a cat or dog      can alleviate stress and anxiety. Walking a dog is a great opportunity for      seniors to get physical activity, and caring for an animal creates a sense      of pride and purpose.
Joining clubs is the best ways to prevent      loneliness and social isolation in seniors. You can look into local      organizations for seniors to see if they host any events that are of      interest. Another option is to search for clubs for seniors through sites,      which has lots of information on a wide range of local events. Clubs offer      an opportunity for seniors to meet new people who share common interests.      They also add more structure to the week by providing a recurring event      outside the home to look forward to.
Meals may be one of the times that      seniors feel the most social isolation. For maximum people, eating is an      intrinsically social activity, so regularly eating alone can increase      feelings of loneliness. To combat social isolation, eat with others as      frequently as possible. Invite guests over for a meal, or go to a dinner      hosted by a local senior center or church group. Occasionally dining at a      restaurant can decrease feelings of social isolation, as well.
Neighbors can be a great means of      social support. Try to get to know at least one of your neighbors so that      you have a friendly face close by. Not only is this a possibility for      social interaction, but knowing that someone nearby is willing to help if      needed can give you peace of mind. If you are a caregiver for an older      adult with cognitive or physical health problems, ask a trusted neighbor      to keep an eye out in case they need help.
Hadar Swersky says that social isolation among seniors has serious consequences, but it is preventable. Y

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