Isolation and loneliness are always a concern when it comes to the health of our senior population, and the COVID-19 pandemic has brought that issue to the forefront.

Social distancing, a lack of visitation options, and popular places like senior centers, gyms, and malls being either closed or having restrictions upon them have made things difficult for seniors. In order to remain free of COVID-19 and the complications the virus brings to the elderly, issues with loneliness and isolation have become widespread.

Oak Hill Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing is also bringing another concern to light—a study that suggests the risk for dementia can increase after just six months of seniors living in isolation.

Just One of Many Risk Factors of Isolation

Loneliness has been known to bring on physical issues in the elderly like high blood pressure, diabetes, and a weakened immune system. Depression and anxiety are also linked to long periods of isolation in seniors. And this was a major issue before the pandemic, as a 2018 survey found that 43% of people age 60 or older reported some feelings of loneliness.

How Loneliness Relates to Dementia

Scientists describe the brain with the term “use it or lose it.” It’s believed that proteins associated with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia accumulate in the brain for decades before issues rise to the surface, and if there are social deprivation and other lack of stimulation in the mind, signs of dementia can begin to appear.

How to Cope

While visitation is beginning to resume at long-term care facilities like Oak Hill Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, it has been beneficial for seniors to be involved in the community atmosphere that senior living can bring. Additionally, video connections through FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, and other apps provide adequate face-to-face interaction when being there in person isn’t possible.

To learn more about Oak Hill Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit https://oak-hill-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/.