50+ Lifestyles

The Struggle of Elderly Isolation

….helpful tips to feel more

By Lorrie Blumberg
CASI Director of Senior Services

Elderly isolation remains a struggle, even without
pandemic-related social distancing. As far back as the 1950s, psychiatrist Frieda Fromm-Reichmann raised awareness about the dangers of loneliness, which she defined as the difference between someone’s “preferred and actual social relations.” For many seniors, that gap has been caused by situations that will persist once the pandemic subsides.
There are many contributing factors to senior isolation: Family dynamics changing, women living alone (never married, divorced or widowed), transportation challenges (seniors who lost their ability to drive due to age or find that public transportation is inaccessible or inadequate spouses who are caregivers for the spouse), married couples feel isolated as well, spouses who are caregivers for the spouse feel isolated due to time, and overwhelming technology (TV and computers) used to stay connected to loved ones.

Consider these helpful tips to feel more active and engaged.

• Stay connected with family and friends at senior centers while being safe from the pandemic such as socialization, cards, crafts and exercise, virtual classes such as virtual crafting, cooking classes or virtual family movie nights. Involving the younger generations in building the intergenerational gap, this can give the senior a sense of purpose. This helps not only with isolation but with depression as well. Volunteer and helping others give Seniors the feeling of giving while gaining a sense of self-worth and usefulness.

• Schedule a therapy session weekly or monthly to combat depression feelings.
• If in need, connect with a Senior Advocate who can connect you with community resources of all kinds. This also gives you an immediate person to person contact. Please contact CASI if you would like to learn more about our Advocacy Program.
• Spouses who are caregivers for their spouse need to take care of themselves as well and take a break from caregiving 24 hours a day. Find a family member to relieve you several times a week to go to CASI for socialization and well-being. Have your spouse go to a day program such as Jane’s Place so you can have time to yourself.

Lorrie Blumberg is Director of Senior Services at CASI, located at 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA 52806. For information call (563) 386.7477 or email info@CASIseniors.org.