According to an article published on JAMA Network, a 2023 national poll found that 37% of U.S. adults between 50 and 80 experienced loneliness. Over three in four survey participants also reported feelings of social isolation.
While loneliness and social isolation can happen to anyone, seniors are often at a higher risk since they're more likely to live alone. They may also feel lonely because of their health (e.g., they have a chronic condition).
If you have an older loved one in Ocean Grove, NJ, who experiences senior loneliness, it's crucial to help them overcome it because if left unaddressed, it can increase their risk for even more health woes.
The Ocean Grove Assisted Living & Memory Care staff put together this guide on elderly loneliness solutions, so please read on.
Aging community support and service groups are typically non-profit organizations that offer programs designed to help enrich the lives of seniors. For example, they have workshops that give older adults access to continuing education and classes that promote healthy lifestyles. They also serve as a social support group to aid seniors in staying connected and lowering their loneliness risks.
Here are some examples of community support and service groups for Ocean Grove, NJ, seniors.
SCAN serves Monmouth and Ocean Counties' 55+ community. It organizes and holds fun, exciting, and engaging senior-friendly classes and workshops at reduced prices. Having your older loved one sign up for a membership can help them avoid senior social isolation, as they can choose from various social and recreational activities like:
SCAN also offers health-related educational programs like its free online diabetes self-management workshop. You can also join if you want since the program is for folks with diabetes and those who care for their loved ones with diabetes. Consider it an opportunity to bond with your aging loved one and learn something new together.
The Monmouth County OOA is a federal, state, and county-funded department that develops programs and provides services to Monmouth County seniors. It aims to help older adults remain healthy and independent by providing support for or access to:
Some of the closest senior centers in Ocean Grove, NJ, include the Asbury Park Senior Citizen Center and the Neptune Township Department of Senior Services & Senior Center. Both are excellent options for combatting social isolation, thanks to the social, recreational, and educational programs and seminars they offer.
According to Pets for the Elderly, many studies have shown the bond between humans and pets brings many physical and mental health benefits. For older adults, these potential perks and pros may include:
If your older loved one is healthy and mobile enough, they may benefit from the loneliness-busting effects of having a pet. So, please consider speaking to them about adopting one; if they're willing, go on a trip with them to Monmouth County SPCA. It's an animal shelter providing a temporary haven for adoptable cats, dogs, and small/furry friends like rabbits, cockatiels, and birds.
Encourage your older loved one to stay social and connected by scheduling regular get-togethers (if they live alone or don't live with you). Even just a few hours of bonding time every weekend can help mitigate the risks of senior loneliness.
Another effective strategy for improving senior connections is to stay in touch with them regularly via phone calls or, better yet, video calls. If they're not tech-savvy, consider spending some of your time teaching them to use technology to stay connected online. For example, you can help them set up social media accounts and messaging/video-calling apps.
Does your older loved one also need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as medication management and personal care or hygiene? If so, it may be best to talk to them about moving to our assisted living community, Ocean Grove Assisted Living & Memory Care.
Here are some ways our community can help your loved one live their golden years to the fullest.
At Ocean Grove Assisted Living & Memory Care, your older loved one will have access to personalized supportive services provided by our experienced and compassionate care staff. Their daily interactions with our staff will likely make them feel less lonely and isolated. Most importantly, you can rest assured that your loved one will get the help they need, regardless of the time of the day.
Every day in our Ocean Grove, NJ, assisted living community is full of fun, engaging, and senior-friendly activities and events. Here are just some examples of what our residents do for socialization, recreation, fitness, and brain stimulation:
We also organize regular outings and excursions for shopping, dining, beach days, and sightseeing. Meal times are also a social thing here, as our residents enjoy delicious and nutritious senior-centered meals in our restaurant-style dining area with their friends and neighbors.
Encouraging your loved one to join support groups, adopt a pet, stay connected, and transition to an assisted living community can help them combat and overcome senior loneliness. The less lonely and isolated they feel, the happier and more enriched their life can be.
If your loved one is ready to explore assisted living, Ocean Grove Assisted Living & Memory Care looks forward to meeting them with you. We'll happily take you on a tour of our beautiful beachfront community.
Contact us today to schedule your visit or to learn more about what we do to help our senior residents live thriving, fulfilling lives.