At a recent NIC Talks conference, AARP Foundation President Lisa Marsh Ryerson revealed that 1 out of every 5 older adults suffers from social isolation, an issue that she described as “pernicious”. Elderly isolation can lead to serious health problems such as alcoholism, depression and malnutrition, with some older people potentially turning to drink as a coping mechanism or losing the motivation to prepare meals for themselves. Therefore, it’s so important to spend a bit of time each week with older relatives and encourage them to get some time out of the house and try meeting like-minded others, if their physical condition allows for it, while private home care can also be beneficial. Our infographic contains advice on how older people can overcome the scourge of loneliness.
Read our infographic below on overcoming loneliness in old age.
