Senior Helpers® South Orange County recognizes that it might be difficult for older people to recognize and acknowledge the signs of loneliness within. The Irvine, Orange County, Santa Ana, and Tustin areas are all scenic and ideal places to retire. Yet, no matter where one happens to live, it can be difficult to address sadness and loneliness, which are natural yet unpleasant facts of life. Here are some clues that you or someone in your care is suffering from loneliness.
Change in Attitude and Demeanor
There are subtle signs of loneliness in older people, which are often more difficult to detect. It can be more challenging for older adults to communicate their needs and not succumb to routines and habits that keep them functioning but not particularly happy. The typical sign to look for would be an older adult that has become socially isolated would be in their attitude and demeanor.
They may express aggression or hostility toward their caregivers. They may become consumed in one-sided discussions that seem hateful or are not audience-appropriate. While it is uncomfortable to notice this trait in oneself or a loved one, their behavior and aggression could be a sign that one's emotional needs are not being met. When a person has gone a long time without talking to someone else, their behavior may seem hostile and accidentally repels people.
Difficulty Separating from Caregivers
When an older person is feeling lonely, the opposite may also occur. They may become frightened of being alone, to an extent where they are overly involved in the lives of their loved ones and trampling on articulated boundaries. When an adult ignores their adult children or other family and friends' advice and resorts to communication styles that are immature, then it is a sign that they are isolated. Unfortunately, their behavior is overly expressive and clingy because they are lonely and scared. It may be time to articulate these concerns to a therapist or trusted friend.
Problems Completing Ordinary Tasks
One sign of loneliness and depression in older people is when a person won't check their mail or take out the trash. If this person lives alone, then it's a sign that they aren't feeling up to themselves. They may be experiencing physical problems or facing emotional issues like loneliness. It is always a bad sign when ordinary tasks seem impossible and time to reach out for help.
Mania With Shopping and Spending
Older people can experience depression and loneliness over any issue. The media is not designed to cater to older adults and is generally centered around taking the signs of aging (such as appearance) and getting people to part with their money. As people age, they experience more loss, whether it is that of those their age or their parents, and the process of aging can naturally produce negative emotions. Seniors often feel the loss and search for happiness in the wrong places.
Seniors need nurturing influences and caring individuals in their life without those who simply seek to prey on their finances or the tendency for them to have the time to become involved in scams. Look out for seniors who seem to be going on a lot of shopping sprees to fill the void; they may be lonely and looking for companionship through shopping.
Changes in Social Media or Personal Communications
Older adults experience a lot of changes in their life, loss, and petty insults sting more without their original social networks and support groups. A lonely older adult may become more reliant on social media or use technology like texting to send out a lot of mass messages. This is often their way of seeking care. Their original familial networks or friend groups may be lost to time. It's important to monitor this behavior as a caregiver since it is a sign they need companionship. If you are personally experiencing loneliness, then reach out to those around you on a one-on-one basis and seek help. Life is long, but it doesn't have to be lonely.
Senior Helpers South Orange County offers a variety of in-home services to address the needs of those in Southern California who need companionship, personal, transitional, and caregiving for chronic diseases. Our staff also offers end-of-life support care and personalized caregiving for those suffering from ailments like Alzheimer's & Dementia.
Senior Helpers South Orange County is proud to provide our services in the SoCal community and assist your loved ones. Contact us today.