Loneliness is one of the biggest issues that seniors face as they age. While being alone may be regarded as a natural part of aging, seniors who are lonely frequently experience sadness and depression. Seniors experiencing loneliness often find it difficult to reach out, which exacerbates the situation.
Have you ever struggled with feelings of loneliness? Read on to discover the hard-to-spot signs of it that indicate that one is gradually becoming socially isolated.
You're Spending More Money Than Usual on Material Goods
Are you making more purchases of material goods than usual? If you observe that you're purchasing more than normal, it may be a sign that you are lonely. It has been observed that lonely seniors often try to overcome their loneliness by engaging in more spending. Seniors spend more time shopping to make up for their lack of social contacts and pass the time.
You're Using the Internet Much More Frequently Than You Normally Do
Pay close attention to how much time you spend online. If you realize that your dependency on the internet is increasing, you may be experiencing emotional loneliness. While the internet can be a great tool for staying in touch with friends and family, research indicates that seniors who feel lonely tend to utilize it excessively to make new companions.
During The Warmer Months, You Keep the Heating On
People who are lonely tend to use physical warmth as a substitute for social connection. Because of this, some seniors turn to warmth as a substitute for social comfort when lonely. It could indicate loneliness if you take more hot baths or showers and keep the heat on during the warmer months.
The Way You Use Your Phone Is Constantly Changing
The use of phones and loneliness are closely related. Changes in your phone usage could be a sign that you're slowly becoming socially isolated. One argument is that seniors could be reaching out to friends and family more frequently to deal with it, thus causing changes in phone usage. On the other hand, seniors may check in on others less regularly because they have changed their expectations due to loneliness. Changes in your phone usage habit could indicate progressive social isolation.
You Have Trouble Falling and Staying Asleep, or You Sleep Too Much
Loneliness can interfere with sleep patterns, particularly in seniors. It may be because you're lonely if you're having trouble falling and staying asleep or sleeping too much. Seniors who are lonely often have trouble falling asleep or may have shorter periods of quality sleep. Seniors who experience social isolation spend more time in bed, but they may not necessarily be sleeping.
Changes in Your Appetite
Your appetite may vary as a result of loneliness. For instance, you can be overeating as a result of it. Sometimes the emptiness that comes with loneliness might be mistaken for hunger, which makes you feel hungrier. On the flip side, being alone can cause you to start eating less or lose interest in food. Changes in your appetite could be a sign that you're lonely.
Get Help Dealing With Loneliness in Racine, Kenosha, Union Grove, and Pleasant Prairie
Seniors who are lonely feel cut off from friends, family, and their community. Recognizing the subtle indications of loneliness stated above is an excellent place to start when you're looking to overcome it.
Are you looking to get over your loneliness in Racine, Kenosha, Union Grove, or Pleasant Prairie? Contact Senior Helpers today to learn more about how we can assist you.