In a powerful moment from the movie “Cast Away,” Chuck Noland, played by Tom Hanks, is spread listless across his man-made raft on the open ocean. After years on a deserted island, he finally makes his escape in the hopes of reaching civilization. And then, following days on the water, with provisions gone and his vessel floating away piece-by-piece, he is nearly alone without hope.
He isn’t quite alone yet, however. One of the few remaining fragments of the raft includes his sole friend Wilson (a volley ball he transformed into a companion for his years on the island). But in a storm, Wilson separates from his perch and floats away, too. As Wilson bobs off on the waves into the distance, Chuck calls out in anguish, “Wilson! Wilson!” The despair of his isolation is palpable.
The dramatic scene serves as metaphor for a reality that plays out for some elders. Life is always in flux, but the transitions that come with aging—although predictable—still become overwhelming to experience.
The medical field appreciates the impact of life choices in their many physical manifestations, including smoking or bad eating habits, and their impact on future health. However, that same medical community appears less comfortable dealing with the harm of social isolation, which is harder to measure and explain.
Here, we identify transition triggers that can lead to someone becoming socially isolated, and identify some proactive steps to help during those challenging times.
Alone Versus Lonely
The irony isn’t lost that when it comes to social isolation, everyone is an island in terms of personal experience and preference. But, generally, we are social beings by design, and require some semblance of connection to be whole.
Debates as to whether it is the literal action of being with others versus the quality of connection have been regularly studied. But each of us intuitively understands that we need some type of connection to others. The data also reveals that when our social connections and activity are diminished, it takes a toll. Per Journal of Aging Life Care, they cite a 2015 study which found 29% increase from mortality over time due to social isolation, a 26% increase in mortality due to loneliness, and a 32% increased risk just by living alone.
Health Risks of Isolation
Healthy minds make better choices, so when we deal with long bouts of depression and loneliness, we are likely to withdraw and do less self-care. Over time, in a low mental state of mind, the results will manifest in medical conditions and even aggravate existing ones. Per the CDC, social isolation is associated with about a 50% increase in dementia, and loneliness among heart failure patients was attributed to nearly 4 times an increased risk of death.
In fact, medical conditions across the board can turn south when the social situation for a person is reduced. To counter the impact, it requires heeding and honoring the feelings of the moment, even when they’re sad. At a time in a person’s life when solutions often come in the form of procedures and pharmaceuticals, stepping back and looking at the whole person may be just the panacea that makes all the difference.
Transition Triggers
Stages of transition in early life are joyous, but as we age, many of the expected milestones are painful. Some people will pull back from their usual social habits by choice or circumstance. Depending on personal health and resilience before the event, the shifts of aging will test and may weaken a person’s resolve to forge ahead and adapt.
By acknowledging the triggers and the challenges that someone may face is to be proactive and set reasonable expectations. A list of the most common transitions to watch for that typically come with aging include:
- Change in health: Existing conditions and those that have recently been identified will impact how a person is able to go about daily life and interact.
- Change in mobility: When you can’t navigate the world as you once did, it can bar you from going places and meeting with people. Losses in hearing and vision work much the same way. A person incumbered by physical changes may feel vulnerable and out of step.
- Death of close friends: Our friendships add to our quality of life. When our friendship circles shrink, it’s easy to lose our sense of connection.
- Death of family: The death of parents is difficult, but the loss of siblings can be particularly stressful. Any death in the family changes the dynamics and brings into focus the mortality of those still alive.
- Death of spouse: The loss of a spouse is an incessant grief that lasts a lifetime. Recognizing this is an important first step.
- Moves: Moving from the neighborhood that is familiar and the spaces we know can leave someone feeling less at home and connected.
- Retirement: A loss of purpose or sense of relevance in society can leave some people feeling that they are no longer of value. This change can be both happy and stressful as one chapter of life closes.
- Change in income: Once individuals are on a fixed budget, they are cordoned off from opportunities to travel and go out socially as they once did.
Make a Plan
Aging and the inevitable changes associated with it can’t be avoided or ignored away. However, by acknowledging them, it is possible to heal and grow through the experience.
Over at Aging, they offer up a solid list of actions individuals can take to help them practice social (think habit) even when doing so seems the most difficult. Everything from visiting a museum to joining groups and starting new hobbies are offered up as ideas which anyone.
One suggestion is to make it a point to do one social activity every day. If getting out is a challenge, consider bringing in support such as the service of Companionship and Conversation offered over at Home Health Companions. Visiting regularly for a time with one of our trained providers could be just the thing to help you feel more connected and get out more on your own.
None of these actions is meant to be trite or make light of the genuine feelings of isolation elders feel. Rather, by taking steps to be social with others, the goal is to help improve your feelings and health. By addressing isolation, you could just the right medicine to feel better in a big way.
Bibliography
https://www.aginglifecarejournal.org/health-effects-of-social-isolation-and-loneliness/