How Loneliness Impacts Senior Health — What Families Should Know

A contemplative elderly woman, dressed in a red headscarf and brown attire, sits pensively in a dimly lit room, embodying a sense of reflection and quiet introspection.

As we age, it’s natural for life to slow down — but when that quiet turns into isolation, it can have a serious effect on our health.

At A-Plus Home Care, we often see firsthand how companionship and social connection aren’t just "nice to have" — they’re essential. In fact, research shows that loneliness and social isolation can be just as harmful as smoking or obesity.

A recent report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, reviewed by mental health experts Dr. Nancy Donovan and Dr. Dan Blazer, confirms that loneliness and isolation significantly increase the risk of dementia, heart disease, depression, and even early death among older adults. You can read the full article here.

How Loneliness Impacts Senior Health — What Families Should Know

What’s the Difference Between Loneliness and Isolation?

• Social isolation means having very few social contacts or interactions.

• Loneliness is the feeling of being alone — even if someone has people around them.

  
  

You can be lonely in a crowd, or feel content while living alone. But for seniors, the risk of both tends to increase due to:

• Losing a spouse or friends

• Retirement

• Physical or cognitive decline

• Living in rural or inaccessible areas

• Lack of accessible support

  
  

The Health Risks Are Real

The researchers found that:

• Seniors who are lonely or isolated have a 50% greater risk of dementia

• They are 30% more likely to suffer a stroke or heart attack

• And there’s a 26% higher risk of early death compared to more socially connected peers

  
  

What Can We Do? How Loneliness Impacts Senior Health — What Families Should Know

The report encourages healthcare workers and caregivers to screen for signs of loneliness. At A-Plus Home Care, our PSWs (Personal Support Workers) are trained to recognize those signs too.

Here’s how in-home care can help:

• Providing regular companionship

• Supporting social connection with family

• Assisting with transportation to community or faith activities

• Helping with daily tasks so seniors feel empowered and not isolated

We’re not just there to help with meals or medication — we’re also there to listen, to talk, and to bring a bit of joy to each day.

Our Final Thought

Loneliness doesn’t always look obvious. A loved one may say they’re “fine,” but you notice they’re watching more TV, missing meals, or no longer connecting with friends.

If that sounds familiar, you don’t have to wait for a crisis.

Contact Us

Let’s talk about how we can help.

Contact us today to schedule a free care consultation.