‘Increasing loneliness puts elderly at risk’

FEELINGS of loneliness or isolation could leave senior citizens vulnerable to physical and mental health issues, including heart disease and depression, according to South African home-based care nursing agency CareChamp.

“Studies found evidence to link social isolation and loneliness to an increased risk for early mortality, chronic illness, and deteriorating mental health,” said the agency.

The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown had highlighted loneliness among the general population and specifically the elderly, it said.

According to Statistics South Africa and a UN study, the number of adults aged 65 years or older living alone in South Africa had been steadily increasing in recent years, and reached about 20% in 2020.

“That’s close to one million seniors ageing alone. When you couple that with studies confirming seniors who live alone have a lower life satisfaction, it’s a crisis we must tackle,” said CareChamp.

Loneliness associated with old age was the result of a number of factors, including shrinking social circles brought about by retirement, family and friends moving abroad, and death.

CareChamp said studies found evidence to link social isolation and loneliness to a higher risk for high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, anxiety and depression.

The agency’s companion services and “Befriend a Grandparent” initiative can be accessed via https://www.carechamp.co.za/