Loneliness can be a difficult emotion for everyone to handle, but it can be especially difficult for elderly people. Without typical social contact, elderly people can feel isolated and disconnected from the world around them.
Fortunately, there are several creative ways to help an elderly person feel less lonely. Whether it’s finding ways to keep them connected with the outside world or giving them a reason to look forward to the day, these five ideas can help an elderly person feel less isolated and more connected to the world around them.
- Regular Visits
Regular visits can be a great way to help an elderly person feel less lonely. Whether it’s a weekly visit or a daily visit, setting up regular visits can give someone a reason to get out of the house and feel connected to the outside world. Whether you want to visit an elderly person you know in a nursing home, a person you know that lives alone, or an elderly person in your neighborhood, regular visits can help an elderly person feel less lonely and more connected to the outside world.
- Take Them Out
For many elderly people, staying inside their homes is a regular occurrence. With health issues, the weather, and other factors keeping them inside, an elderly person may not get out enough to feel connected to the outside world. Taking them out regularly can help them feel like they’re part of the world around them. Whether it’s going out for coffee or to a museum, taking them out regularly can be a great way to help an elderly person feel less lonely and more connected to the outside world.
- Connect Them With Technology
For many elderly people, the computer or smartphone may have been something they relied on as a regular part of their life. With the rise of internet use and the popularity of many technology-driven activities, it can be a great way to help an elderly person feel less lonely. Whether it’s taking part in a forum, chatting with friends over the video, or connecting with family members through social media, connecting with technology can be a great way to help an elderly person feel less lonely and more connected to the outside world.
- Get a Pet
For many elderly people, loneliness can be a struggle to overcome. As a way to help an elderly person feel less lonely, getting them a pet can be a great idea. Although they may not feel like they have the energy or time to care for a pet, a cat or dog can be a great companion and help an elderly person feel less lonely as a result.
- Join a Group
For many elderly people, a source of loneliness may be a lack of social interaction. Although they may have family members or other loved ones, not everyone has that and many elderly people feel isolated as a result. Joining a group or club can be a great way to help an elderly person feel less lonely. Whether it’s a book club or gardening club, finding a group of people they can connect with regularly can be a great way to help an elderly person feel less lonely.
Hadar Swersky 