Loneliness is a growing concern for all adults, but is a particular problem among older people. In the 1970s, the percentage of older adults experiencing loneliness ranged from 11 to 17 percent, but by 2010 that number had risen to 40 percent. In addition, older people are living alone, with 30 percent of older adults alone in the U.S. compared with just 10 percent in 1950. This trend may be partly explained by increased stigma and a lack of social support.
Hadar Swersky Investor says although loneliness can be a devastating experience, it can also be a positive thing, motivating people to make connections and strengthen social bonds. Typically, loneliness is caused by circumstances that people adjust to over time, such as a death of a spouse or significant illness. Another cause of loneliness is a change in living arrangements or the loss of friends or social activities. A recent study found that lonely seniors are more likely to turn to shopping as a way to distract themselves from their loneliness.
Although these findings suggest that video calls may improve loneliness in older adults, more research is needed. The limited number of studies evaluating the effects of video calls may be the cause of low participant numbers. In addition, it is unclear how effective these interventions are, particularly with a high level of loneliness. Further studies are necessary to determine whether video calls improve loneliness. Further studies should also include diverse settings and stakeholder groups. There are several interventions for loneliness.
According to Hadar Swersky Serial entrepreneur turned investor there is a high correlation between loneliness and mortality among older adults, this association is independent of social isolation. Therefore, efforts to reduce social isolation and loneliness in older people may have greater benefits on their mortality rates than the opposite. This study identifies the potential benefits of social inclusion programs and social programs for older adults. So, how can we prevent loneliness? We must understand the psychological and biological mechanisms behind loneliness in older adults and develop the tools to effectively address the problem.
The campaign to end loneliness in older people in the United Kingdom was launched in 2010 and aimed to connect older people in their communities. In Denmark, a similar initiative titled Denmark spiser sammen aims to reduce loneliness in older people. If we don’t do anything to alleviate loneliness, we are destined to remain isolated and lonely. So, it is vital to address loneliness and social isolation as early as possible.
The rapid review found that video calls may help prevent loneliness in older people. The rapid review also identified that video calls reduced depression and reduced isolation among older adults. The rapid review found that the included studies were of poor quality and did not provide accurate measures of social isolation. In addition to these, video calls could provide older people with new social contacts. If they are able to make more video calls, loneliness may be reduced as well.