Consequences to Living Alone
By Rick Banas of Gardant Management Solutions, Inc.
What is it about the United States?
Older adults in the U.S. are much more likely to live alone than their counterparts elsewhere in the world.
In the United States, 27 percent of individuals 60 years of age or older are living alone. So says the Pew Research Center. The figure for the 130 countries and territories that were part of the Pew study was 16%.
Worldwide, 38% percent of those 60+ live wide extended family. In the U.S., only 6%.
Click here for more information about the Pew study
One in four individuals with dementia or mild cognitive impairment are living alone, notes Neuroscience News.
Living alone can have consequences, impacting physical, emotional, and mental health.
Those living alone are at increased risk for self-neglect, weight loss, falling, cognitive decline, depression, suicide, and premature death. They are more likely to be malnourished as they often eat only once or twice a day and are less likely to eat meals that are healthy and balanced. The quality of sleep is more likely to be poor. They are more likely to experience higher levels of stress and anxiety.
A University of Michigan poll indicates that one-third of those between 50 and 80 years of age report feeling isolated. They often go for a week or more without social contact with someone outside of their home.
The older adults reportedly most impacted are those with lower incomes, mobility issues, and chronic medical conditions. Also those with dementia.
One of the benefits of living in a Gardant-managed senior living, assisted living, or memory care community is all of the opportunities that are available to socialize with family, friends, and neighbors and to participate in the scheduled social, recreational, educational, and wellness activities.
Gardant-managed communities are located in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Click here to find a community near you.
