Posted on: May 24, 2018
Retirement. It’s a stage of life that many of us anticipate eagerly, complete with visions of re-dedicating our lives to passions like travel, the outdoors, volunteering, or books we want to catch up on.
But it’s easy to overlook the social isolation that can accompany this milestone.
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Social isolation is a particular problem for older people as they navigate the life changes that often come with aging, such as losing the ability to drive, devoting time to care for an ailing spouse, or moving into a retirement community where they don’t know anyone. Social lives, once taken for granted, can quickly disappear.
According to the AARP, four million older adults enrolled in Medicare have poor social networks — and prolonged isolation can be as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Here in metro Atlanta, where one in five of us will be over the age of 65 by 2040, the issue has especial resonance.
The Atlanta Regional Commission recently hosted a forum devoted to social isolation and depression in older adults. ARC brought together health care professionals, educators, students, and the general public to discuss how to generate solutions together.
Here are some key takeaways:
Many older men – and women – whose identities and social lives were tied to the workplace struggle in retirement. Certain stereotypes exacerbate the issue: Many people believe that it’s admirable for men to go it alone, rather than ask for help. But in reality, people are biologically programmed to work together to accomplish things. We all crave some degree of social interaction.
"We guys are socialized to keep on trucking." Hear Ernest James Allen tell his story.
Social isolation refers to a lack of contact between a person and society, whether or not it’s by choice. One in three Americans age 65 and older live alone, while fully half of people 85 and older live alone.
Loneliness is the psychic pain and distress that happens when one feels alone, while depression is a disease whose core symptoms include depressed mood and a lack of interest in activities that a person previously enjoyed.
Depression can look different in older adults than in younger people. Older individuals may not claim to feel sadness, but rather exhibit irritability or a case of “nerves.” Physical complaints like body aches or an upset stomach are also more common, as are problems with cognition.
Below, hear Wilma Jenkins talk about her battle with depression, including the stigma against mental health issues that she sees in the African-American community, and what it's been like to reveal this issue to friends.
These days, experts view all three of these concerns — social isolation, loneliness, and depression — as public health issues. Just as thirst is a symptom that we’re dehydrated and should drink water, loneliness is a signal from our brains that we need to find social contact.
Experts recommend talk therapy — combined with medication, if necessary — and physical exercise, to combat depression. Seek help immediately if you have major symptoms of depression.
Change begins with confronting how we think about aging and older people. Loneliness is not a natural part of aging, and our needs for social interaction — including intimacy and sexual contact — continue throughout our lives.
Opportunities are missed to improve health outcomes when mental illness is under-recognized and under-treated. This PDF provides a range of signs and symptoms of depression. Medicare offers free annual depression screenings for patients 65 and older. Contact your primary care physician for more information.
Some organizations across the country have instituted home sharing programs that match older adults who have extra space with younger people looking for housing.
ARC’s Strategic Partners are committed to fostering collaborative regional approaches that improve quality of life in metro Atlanta. Their support elevates ARC leadership programs, research and events throughout the year. Learn more.
