Retirement comes with a trove of benefits, starting with an abundance of free time. But think about it. Our careers and our daily interaction spent with family forced us to engage with other people. Day-to-day connections change after retirement, and in some instances, those connections may decrease significantly. A lack of social interaction can make someone vulnerable to isolation.

CONSEQUENCES OF SENIOR ISOLATION

Older adults are at a higher risk of developing depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 80% of all seniors have at least one chronic health condition. 50% of older adults have two or more health conditions. The CDC says depression for the elderly is often worse if they have other illnesses and their function becomes limited. Here are a few of the telltale signs of depression:

1. Feeling hopeless, worthlessness
2. Loss of interest in hobbies that were once fun
3. Overeating/loss of appetite
4. Thoughts of suicide
5. Fatigue/decreased energy

Numerous studies show that social isolation increases the risk of developing other health problems. Loneliness can lead to negative hormonal changes which increase the chance of heart attack, stroke, or even dementia. According to the AARP Foundation,  nearly 1 in 5 Americans 65 and older are socially isolated and that continued social isolation is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and worse than obesity.

AGING LIFE CARE PROFESSIONALS CAN HELP

Certified care managers can help you or a loved one combat senior isolation. Care Managers are aware of the services and treatment options that are available to help the elderly to be more active.

SAGE Care Management is a leading geriatric care management provider in South Texas that can customize a schedule for the elderly and help organize their lives. Our team carries out a thorough assessment of the challenges for our clients. We identify the needs for care and services. And we come up with a plan to tackle the challenges for our clients. Our certified aging life care managers provide solutions to address the home, medical, and dietary needs of our clients. We address their social and spiritual life as well.

“Our team offers counseling, support, and even crisis intervention,” explained Byron Cordes, President of Sage Care Management. “As we like to say, it’s getting a total picture of the needs of your loved one. Sage Care Management can connect your family to a wide range of support services in the San Antonio area so that your loved one is less vulnerable to isolation.”