How Many Weeks Pass Before Your Parents Talk to Someone?

Cadbury partnered on a survey that found around 2.6 million admit they don’t talk more to three people in one week. More than 500,000 seniors said their loneliness prevents them from going out. Perhaps, more alarming is that around 4.5 million older adults admit they feel lonely, and 225,000 don’t talk to anyone during an entire week.

Have you thought about your parents? How often do they talk to anyone? Could they be lonely and feeling isolated? It’s time to take a closer look at their lifestyle and social activities.

Elder Care Rancho Palos Verdes CA – How Many Weeks Pass Before Your Parents Talk to Someone?

Why Does It Matter?

Loneliness and social isolation are believed to be just as risky as smoking 15 cigarettes each day. It increases your risk of mental and physical health issues. The risk of anxiety, cognitive impairment, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity are higher when a person feels lonely or isolated.

Due to this, it’s believed loneliness and isolation can cause a decline in life expectancy. People who are lonely and socially isolated do seem to have a higher risk of premature death. That’s concerning. There’s no guarantee that this will happen, but there’s a risk. That risk is something you should consider. If your parents are alone all week or even multiple weeks, something needs to change.

What Can You Do?

Make sure your mom and dad have plenty of chances to socialize. A trip each week to a luncheon at a local community center is a good start. They may enjoy it so much that they decide they’d like to join others on the group trips to museums, shops, restaurants, and other entertainment venues. They may sign up for crafting clubs and support groups.

When you can, stop by and spend a day with your parents. See how they’re doing. Take them out if you and/or they want. Check to see that they’re stocked with foods and beverages, that chores are done, and that they’ve paid bills on time. If you see anything amiss, it’s time to look at elder care providers for help with daily activities and socialization.

Don’t let your parents end up being one of the aging adults who go weeks without talking to anyone. Call 0ur elder care agency and ask about companionship services from caregivers. You arrange the visits on a schedule that works for your parents and your family. Elder care providers can come daily or every now and then. It’s up to you and your family to decide what is ideal.

Sources: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/articles/2019/september/almost-4.5-million-older-people-claim-to-have-felt-lonely-during-later-life/
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elder Care Services in Rancho Palos Verdes CA, please contact the caring staff at 1Heart Care Services today.