The results of a decades long study from the University College London on the impact of loneliness and isolation has shown that both loneliness and infrequent contact with friends and family can, independently, shorten a person’s life. Learn more about the dangers of seniors living alone.
The Dangers of More Seniors Living Alone
According to AARP, nearly 90% of people over age 65 want to stay at home for as long as possible. Living at home and staying in a familiar community may offer benefits to seniors’ emotional well-being — but research indicates that a staggering number of seniors who should be receiving assisted living care are still living at home — in many cases, alone.
To some of us, the answer may seem obvious: make the move to an assisted living community where social activity, health monitoring and medication management is all included. However, moving to senior living can be a difficult decision, particularly if your loved one is not keen on moving. For more information, read our guide to assisted living vs. in-home care.
The Administration on Aging reports that about 29%, or 11.3 million older adults lived alone in 2010. At the same time, it’s estimated that over 12% of seniors 65 and older — more than 5 million — need assistance with long-term care to perform activities of daily life.
Those seniors who are low-income or live in poverty are even more likely to live at home rather than in a facility, even if they require more care. The numbers for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia are, quite frankly, startling: of the 60-70% of seniors with dementia living in the community, 25% live alone, reports the Alzheimer’s Association.
When Living Alone is Unsafe
If we want our loved ones to remain safe and healthy, it’s important to make sure their environment is appropriate to their physical needs—particularly if they’re showing early signs of cognitive impairment.
If you notice that your loved one needs help with daily activities such as eating, bathing and dressing, they may have decreased cognitive functioning associated with early or middle stage dementia. Even in their own home, the combination of poor eyesight and minor safety hazards can put seniors at risk for falls, broken hips and even death.
Keeping track of physical symptoms, mental health, and senior nutrition is of critical importance. Warning signs that living alone is no longer safe for an older adult include:
- Medication management issues
- Poor eyesight
- Social isolation
- Forgetting appointments
- Unable to keep up with daily chores and housekeeping
- Poor nutrition or malnutrition
- Home safety hazards such as poor lighting and loose carpeting
- Unable to pay bills on time
