It’s normal for people to desire independence and be by themselves. However, some people advanced in years living alone are isolated because they have no choice. Scores of older adults living alone may face multiple problems. At Country Club At Woodlands Hills, we offer guidance for your loved ones living alone to help them navigate the difficulties that come with living alone. We highlight six problems people advanced in years living alone may face.
Prone to Accidents
People advanced in years living alone are highly prone to accidents, such as accidental falls and so on. This can be detrimental as they typically have weaker bones, and a simple fall can lead to fractures or broken bones. Serious accidents can lead to organ damage. This is especially so if they are living alone and do not have fixtures in the house, such as handlebars, to mitigate the effect of falls. They may not have the energy to clean their house thoroughly, leaving behind things on the ground that can cause them to stumble and fall.
Isolated Living
Some people are living entirely by themselves, cut off from social interactions. Studies have shown that social isolation has negative effects on one’s health. The health problems associated with isolation include heart diseases, hypertension, weak immunity, obesity, and so on. When they are isolated for an extended period, they may be more vulnerable as they may feel no one cares for them. Isolation is also related to multiple psychological issues, such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression.
Depression
Being isolated for a long time may lead to depression. The symptoms of depression are multi-faceted, including concentration problems, lack of general interest, and loss of appetite. People living alone may find it hard to carry out daily functions when they are afflicted with depression. Depression, if left unchecked, can lead to self-harm and suicide in the worst-case scenarios.
Malnutrition
Your loved ones may have trouble eating due to physical and physiological changes, complicating efforts to introduce good nutrition. This issue is further complicated when they live alone. It may be difficult for them to shop for groceries as mobility may be an issue for them. Mobility issues may also challenge their ability to cook as well, making it hard to tailor their nutrient intake according to their needs. For those living alone, they may need to be in a community with a team of people who can consistently prepare nutritious meals for them. In such living communities, they will ensure that nutrition is coupled with proper exercise too, which may be lacking for people living alone.
Accidental Medication Overdose
It’s common for individuals to be prescribed multiple medications as they age. For your loved ones living alone, this can be a problem as the chances of overdosing can be high. This is especially prevalent for individuals who may be experiencing conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and so on as they may not remember their medication intake. This is harder if they have multiple medications to consume, increasing the risk of accidental medication overdose.
Inability to Do Household Chores
Your loved ones may find trouble doing household chores if they have mobility problems. This is harder for your loved ones living alone as doing certain household chores might even increase their risk of falling, such as mopping a wet floor, or climbing on ladders to reach for things.
If your loved ones are living alone, at Country Club At Woodland Hills, we can help mitigate the problems they may face by providing them with our wide range of amenities. Contact us to find out more!
