Out of the millions of older adults in the United States, more than half live in isolation. That’s a serious issue for seniors, as it can lead to depression, loneliness, and significant health risks.
In fact, research has found that the health risks associated with isolation can be as significant as the well-known dangers of smoking and obesity. Moreover, and even more frightening, is that other research has shown that 26% of older adults have an increased risk of death due to the subjective feeling of loneliness.
That’s worth considering when seniors are discharged from short-term rehab centers. Loneliness and isolation will continue to pose a significant risk to the overall health and well-being of older adults.
There are many factors that can contribute to these feeling of loneliness and isolation: The absence of accessible and affordable transportation, mobility and hearing impairments, the loss of a loved one or friend, and the lack of opportunities for seniors to engage with others and contribute, to name a few.
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