As we go through the dark and long winter days, many old Americans feel more and more. solitary and secluded.
for Third It was reported that the elderly were sociallyoled in 2023, and almost 40%reported lack of fellowship. They sent More than half There are more things for the elderly who live alone every day.
Loneliness and social isolation are not just bad feelings. A 2023 Surgery General Report As a threat to our mental and physical health, they conditions Like high blood pressure, obesity and Alzheimer’s bottle.
trite proposal In order to confront loneliness and social isolation, it includes a visit with a friend, a video call with the family, or a doctor consulting. These can be effective, but we also Loneliness At first.
Individualism killed the connection
The first is the ideal of the United States individualism. This concept focuses on the protection of self -reliance and personal freedom. We can enter individualism from a young age: teenagers report Evaluate your personal success in caring for others. It played a big role Corona 19 infectious disease world fashion In addition, many people argue with a wide range of rebels for public health recommendations such as masking.
We have begun to see aging through the lens of individualism. research We suggest that the elderly are more respectful when they are recognized as competent and independent. In other words, we value them when we can take care of ourselves.
The elderly can also hatch the importance of independence and freedom. Inherent age group It creates a cycle that the elderly do not look or feel like a burden. It is worth connecting.
We don’t want to volunteer anymore
Our cultural emphasis on self has contributed to a reduction in volunteer, which can have a significant impact on the health of the elderly. The elderly are greatly benefited with the help of others, but they are benefited from volunteering. Recently, indifference to volunteering nationwide has been noticeable.
From September 2020 to September 2021 23% of Americans Officially volunteered. This fell from 29% In the early 2000s. gringo I see indifference The role is not interesting because I think there is no time in volunteer, nobody asked them to do so.
More social isolation and loneliness will increase if fewer Americans volunteer in the same position as a warm meal delivery for the elderly. for example, 40 % A person who eats on the wheel says he will rarely come into contact with the outside world without delivery of home meals.
Volunteering is a very beneficial activity for the elderly. I did It is directly related Loneliness decreased and improved Physical and cognitive function.
It’s over 22 million The baby boomers volunteered in 2018, and the elderly are less volunteering. Suggestion in the study This may be due to worsening health or lack of training and institutional support. Others reduce this reduction Corona 19 infectious disease world fashion And the closure of national activities as well as the risk of infection of the elderly.
Housing is a crisis of loneliness and isolation.
The sale of volunteers is relevant, but the housing crisis is fatal to the elderly who want to connect and support.
In recent decades, many elderly Go to another area Reduces lifelong social connections among countries with low housing prices. Others can experience Homeless or Depression and anxiety -All results of the US housing crisis.
research 3/4 of tenants aged 65 or older show that half of their income consume income with only houses. Half of the older homeowners are the same, and many people are now Trapped It does not meet their demands because it cannot be reduced. In addition, 10 -quarter of US housing inventory Accessibility standard Older residents, such as the entrance to the stage and the corridor, to accommodate the wheelchair.
Solutions can be used
We cannot immediately remove loneliness and social isolation, but there is a solution that gives the old man to connect the elderly.
It is better to imitate other countries’ efforts to promote other countries. resources Increase your money for volunteer initiatives. Some countries are even considering incentives. Tax discount For those who volunteer.
We need to make more things to deal with living expenses and remain in our family’s house. Cheap house For the elderly. There are innovative local government solutions, such as designating zones in the daughter -in -law. Accessories residential unit. subsidy It is cheap to promote accessibility modification popular also.
Older people are facing more and more social isolation and loneliness as winter begins, and it is deteriorated due to systematic problems such as individualism and reducing volunteers and appropriate housing. Now we use tools that can be used, such as volunteer incentives and inexpensive housing solutions, to better connect aging Americans with the community.
