Social isolation linked to increased risk of dementia

Dangers of isolation for seniors Many older adults struggle with loneliness or social isolation. Krista Sharpe takes a look at how it affects their wellbeing.

The holiday season is often a time to gather with friends and loved ones but not everyone is always included. For some seniors, the holidays can be a reminder of how socially isolated they are.

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) cites a recent study out of Florida State University College of Medicine linking loneliness to a 31 per cent increased risk of dementia.

University of Waterloo professor and Schlegel Research Chair in Dementia at RIA, Carrie McAiney said this is a consistent finding.

According to RIA , nearly 1 in 3 older Canadian adults are at risk of experiencing social isolation and 19-24 per cent of Canadians over the age of 65 do feel isolated and wish they could participate in more social activities.

“As well for some, maybe who've experienced, a recent loss or maybe the death of a spouse or a close family member, it can contribute to that sense of isolation,” McAiney said.

McAiney added social isolation can encourage bad behaviours.

“Maybe people might drink a little bit more. They might be a little bit more likely to smoke or less likely to be physically active,” she said.

“When you have other people around you often will be doing things together and often hopefully engaging in some, healthier behaviors,” McAiney added.

She is reminding the public that there are many reasons to include seniors in your holiday activities.

RIA has created a guide called “Supporting Your Neighbours: A Community Conversation Guide” to help address social isolation among older adults in the Region of Waterloo.

“It's a way to get people to think about others and give specific strategies on ways they can support people that might be in that position.”

The guide shares important risk factors and signs of dementia as well as tips on ways to make a senior in your life feel included.

"Just going over and saying hello or if you have their phone number giving them a call,” McAiney offered as an example.

“Maybe it's dropping off some cookies or something like that just to let the person know that you're thinking about them,” she added.

The 24-page document includes specific tips on interacting and details some local community resources. It’s available for free on RIA’s website. A hardcopy can also be purchased for five dollars.