Watch the videos below to learn more about the United Way's work with senior citizens in our community.
Many senior citizens deal with loneliness on a daily basis but have found ways to thrive and socialize at United Way partner agencies including the Bemidji Activity Senior Center, Adult Day Services, and Northwoods Caregivers.
However, physical and social distancing requirements mean many senior citizens are more isolated than ever. While it’s not surprising that loneliness can lead to an increased risk for depression and anxiety, you might be surprised that it also can lead to an increased risk for heart disease, strokes, and dementia.
Have you seen the impact that social isolation has had on a senior family member? How can you support your family, friends, and neighbors who are senior citizens and are more isolated right now?
Look at pictures of and talk about senior family members or close friends and neighbors. Talk about the many things that they do for you and the community.
Take the time to call, draw a picture, or visit in the yard with a senior family member, neighbor, or friend.
Write a card to a senior in Bemidji and find a way to get it to the United Way (drop it off or mail it to us!). We will distribute the cards to places around town that have isolated seniors.
These cards can be as simple as a folded-up piece of paper with a cute picture from a kid or a note from an adult talking about how much senior citizens matter to Bemidji. While it can be hard to write to an unknown person, please know they will enjoy it so much!
Share your care by using the hashtag #BemidjiUnitedInCaring on social media.
Although it’s hard to measure social isolation and loneliness precisely, there is strong evidence that many adults aged 50 and older are socially isolated or lonely in ways that put their health at risk. Recent studies found that:
- Social isolation significantly increased a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
- Social isolation was associated with about a 50% percent increased risk of dementia.
- Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) was associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.
- Loneliness was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
- Loneliness among heart failure patients was associated with a nearly 4 times increased risk of death, 68% increased risk of hospitalization, and 57% increased risk of emergency department visits.
Source: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2020. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.