Omaha, Neb., Dec. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Loneliness, which affects one in three aging adults, is a serious epidemic among seniors in the U.S. According to a National Poll on Healthy Aging, chronic loneliness can impact one’s memory, physical well-being, mental health and life expectancy.
The symptoms of loneliness are complex, and while the signs of it can be concealed, they often come during a change of circumstance in a person’s life. Retiring from a career and missing the social contact that came with it, health issues that prevent people from participating in things they’ve always enjoyed or the death of a loved one can lead to isolation.
According to the AARP, potential signs of loneliness can include poor eating habits, loss of interest in personal hygiene or appearance, and significant clutter in the home, as well as a general lack of interest or withdrawal.
Jennifer Knecht, vice president of marketing and communications at Immanuel Communities, emphasizes the importance of combatting the senior loneliness epidemic. “Loneliness not only lessens seniors’ quality of life; it shortens lifespans. Raising awareness of and fighting against this loneliness epidemic is one of Immanuel Communities’ top priorities. A sense of community can make a world of difference in seniors’ lives.”
Immanuel Communities, Nebraska’s longtime nonprofit leader in retirement communities and services, is dedicated to providing personalized lifestyle approaches and communities that help seniors connect and thrive.
Immanuel Communities offers the following tips to aging adults and their loved ones to combat loneliness:
“Finding companionship is particularly important for seniors,” Knecht said. “We hear from our residents that our programs give them a social connection they didn’t have before. No matter what an aging adult’s season in life and personal needs are, finding thoughtfully planned living options, inviting wellness programs, engaging social opportunities and spiritual support can help senior loved ones live large and leave loneliness behind.”
About Immanuel Communities
Immanuel Communities is a leader in the field of retirement living. Immanuel offers innovative services and programs to constantly reimagine how to provide care. From independent and assisted living to memory support and long-term care, Immanuel is constantly guided by over twelve decades of experience serving the Omaha, Papillion, Lincoln and Des Moines communities.
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