Resources help seniors feel less lonely and isolated

Aging experts and professionals know the harm that isolation and loneliness play on an older adult's health and well-being.

The U.S. Census data reports 28 percent of individuals 65 and older lived on their own in 2010. AARP confirms that the baby boomer generation has fewer children or none at all.

As the group enters the elder years, loneliness and isolation will be a significant concern.

Immobility and lack of transportation add to the necessity for one to keep close to home. If an adult has little access to social activities, they become isolated. A study by Case Western Reserve University shows that Internet adoption bolsters the emotional health of seniors (2013.)

The researchers gave 25 residents of a residential care facility a digital tablet and Internet training. After three months of usage, participants reported a better mood and life satisfaction.

SeniorCare.com asked aging experts how to remedy the problem by listing an online resource that helps older adults connect offline to lessen loneliness and depression.

• Most cities have senior centers that offer a range of activities, exercise classes and events at reasonable costs. It would be great if organizations like churches and Meals on Wheels could have printed-out versions of these monthly calendars hand-delivered to seniors who could use this social connection, said Margo Rose, Body Aware Grieving.

• Your city library, said Kaye Swain of SandwichInk. "Our Roseville CA library has a senior citizens center with frequent activities. Sign up for the monthly newsletter to catch current events. Most are free."

• Get active in the community, said Shannon Martin of Aging Wisely. Become a volunteer. Check out nationalservice.gov/programs/senior-corps website and sign up to volunteer. It's one of the better options to remain active, involved in the community and to have feelings of purpose.

• Foster a grandchild by visiting nationalservice.gov/programs/senior-corps/foster-grandparents. Adults share time with younger people. "We encourage adults to join groups that help them deal with loneliness and depression," said David Mordehi, Advise, and Protect.

• Join in the activities. The senior care section on http://assistedliving.about.com/od/SeniorActivities/ is devoted to activity professionals, said Anthony Cirillo, AgingExperience.com.

• Join the creativeaging.org/ website for adult involvement. It includes volunteer activities, said Tim Murray, Aware Senior Care.

• Be a mentor. Mentoring others in technology or helping with homework can build strong ties. Online relationships become dynamic, expanding into conversation or tasks offline, said Nancy Ruffner, NavigateNC.

• Health-related activities. Check out the American Diabetes Association website at http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/seniors/ for adults living with the disease. It provides education and resources as well as a chat ability, social networking and links to local groups and activities that engage individuals, said Kelly Lee Hardin, MSN, RN, CDE, Telcare

• Practice meditation and mindfulness. Research from UCLA suggests a short eight-week program of meditation focusing on mindfulness (attention to the present) can reduce feelings of loneliness and might even stoke an anti-inflammatory response in the body, said Stephan Forman, LTC Associates.