Preventing Loneliness in Older Adults

18 Out of 100 People

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders such as PTSD, panic attacks, phobias, and general anxiety disorder affect 18% of people in the U.S. each year, making them the most common mental health problems.

Anxiety becomes an anxiety disorder when overwhelming fear and worry prevent you from being able to live a normal life. Anxiety disorders can affect anyone and may begin at any age.

People with anxiety disorders are unable to control their own disturbing thoughts. They may start to avoid everyday situations that they fear will trigger more stress.

Anyone in Ventura County who has a question about mental health should seek help immediately, the same way you would ask for help when we have any other health question. If ignored and untreated, extreme anxiety can prevent you from being able to participate in daily life.

Worrying, Anxiety and When It’s Too Much

Everyone experiences worry in some way during daily life. You may feel understandably anxious as a reaction to ordinary urgent situations, for example, if you are running late for work. However, you may also feel anxious when you are worrying about something that may or may not happen, a threat that only exists in your imagination.

LONELINESS IN OLDER ADULTS

Many older adults are much more lonely, isolated, or disconnected than we realize. And we often get too caught up in our lives to make an effort to get together with our older friends & family members, or to check-in with our elderly neighbors.

What can make things worse is that older adults who feel most isolated struggle with reaching out in the first place. Sometimes, they don’t want to be perceived as a burden. But if they feel like others don’t seek them, they can withdraw even further. That’s why it’s up to us to reach out to them.

SPOTTING THE SIGNS OF LONELINESS

It’s important to be on the lookout for social isolation in older adults. Here are some things to consider:

  • Do they receive visits from friends or family?
  • Do you see them outside of their home often?
  • Do they complain that their children no longer call them?
  • Have they recently lost a spouse, close friend, or caregiver?
  • Do they have a chronic health condition such as depression, failing memory, or hearing loss?

If you are concerned about an older adult’s safety — don’t hesitate — call the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging at (805) 477-7300 or visit: www.vcaaa.org. If there is an emergency, call 911.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Over 40% of older adults experience loneliness and isolation on a regular basis.
  • Individuals who are isolated are 64% more likely to develop dementia.
  • A lack of social connection is as hurtful to one’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day
  • Feeling disconnected and alone can lead to depression and even to suicidal thoughts.
Is anyone in immediate danger?

Call 911 and ask for a CIT Officer.

Is anyone in immediate danger?

Call 911 and ask for a CIT Officer.

Are you feeling suicidal or in despair?

Talk with someone local now:
VCBH Crisis & Referral Line
1-866-998-2243www.VCBH.org
Free • Confidential • 24/7

Or call the national support line:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call, text, or TTY: 988
Web Chat: www.988lifeline.org
Free • Confidential • 24/7

Are you feeling suicidal or in despair?

Talk with someone local now:
VCBH Crisis & Referral Line
1-866-998-2243www.VCBH.org
Free • Confidential • 24/7

Or call the national support line:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call, text, or TTY: 988
Web Chat: www.988lifeline.org
Free • Confidential • 24/7

Are you feeling lonely or isolated?

Call the Senior Support Line:
1-800-235-9980

Resources for Older Adults:
Ventura County Area Agency on Aging
Call 805-477-7300
or go to their website – www.vcaaa.org

Are you feeling lonely or isolated?

Call the Senior Support Line:
1-800-235-9980

Resources for Older Adults:
Ventura County Area Agency on Aging
Call 805-477-7300
or go to their website – www.vcaaa.org

For Veterans

Veterans Crisis Line

Call 988 and press 1

veteranscrisisline.net
Free • Confidential • 24/7

More resources for Military and Veterans >

For Veterans

Veterans Crisis Line

Call 988 and press 1

veteranscrisisline.net
Free • Confidential • 24/7

More resources for Military and Veterans >

For First Responders

Law enforcement COPLINE
1-800-267-5463
www.copline.org

NVFC First Responder Helpline
Fire, EMS, and other rescue workers
1-888-731-3473

www.nvfc.org/help

For First Responders

Law enforcement COPLINE
1-800-267-5463
www.copline.org

NVFC First Responder Helpline
Fire, EMS, and other rescue workers
1-888-731-3473

www.nvfc.org/help

More Support & Resources

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REACHING OUT TO OLDER ADULTS

Make it a practice to reach out to others throughout the year. It benefits the people we connect with — and us as well.

  • Ask to hear an elderly neighbor’s stories.
  • Text or call the relative you’ve lost touch with.
  • Stop by and chat with someone at work who has seemed a bit sad lately.
  • Invite someone new to your home for dinner.
  • Plan a phone date with an old friend who lives out of town.
  • Share something you enjoy – play music, go to a concert together, or teach someone to knit.
  • Make handmade cards with your child and send to family members or friends on birthdays and holidays, or just because you’re thinking of them.
  • Give compliments.
  • Give smiles. Warm, approachable, genuine smiles.
  • Give your full attention – put down the phone and take a break from text messages and social media.
  • Make it a habit. Reach out to someone every week or every day.