Page 15 - Seniorstoday November 2023 Issue

are primary reasons for depression and
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Satjyot
Gill, Mental Health Expert and Founder of
Wellbeing Action and Research Initiative
(WARI), said, “…with diseases like diabetes,
arthritis, heart problems, blood pressure,
pains and aches, they feel more dependent
and less active and therefore longing
for concern all the more. Also, in many
families, young family members are either
working or college-going so the desire to
be with someone is all the more in a senior
citizen.”
Loneliness and social isolation cut
across all socio-economic strata of Indian
society, from the destitute elderly to the
urban privileged classes. What makes it a
significant issue amongst senior citizens
is that it can have a serious effect on your
overall health and quality of life. In fact,
loneliness is counted as a key determinant
of cognitive decline and dementia amongst
the elderly, apart from increased stress,
anxiety, and depression.
India needs overall improvement in
providing access to long-term care and
psycho-geriatric services for elderly
individuals living alone or grappling with
loneliness. Apart from the government
initiating programmes to promote mental
and physical health for the elderly, families
need to offer better support to their ageing
members. Loss of spouse apart, ill treatment
and neglect from close family members
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #52 | OCTOBER 2023
loneliness in senior citizens. Seniors were
used to a world where they were part of
every family decision. Now other people
make decisions for them.
Here are ways for older people like
yourselves to connect with others and feel
useful and appreciated again.
• Smile, even if it feels hard.
• Invite friends for tea. Start connecting
with people.
• Keep in touch by phone. In fact, make
multiple modes of communication
available.
• Learn to love computers.
• Use WhatsApp.
• Get involved in local community
activities.
• Fill your diary; start writing about
your lives which has been enriched with
experiences that would enable other
family members to appreciate your life.
Get out and about. Take a walk to get some
exercise. Being physically active is good for
your mind as well as your body. Participate
in online or in-person exercise classes.
• Help others.
• Think about getting a pet. A dog or cat is
not a replacement for a human-being, but
they can be very good company, especially
when you are feeling down and it gives you
something to live for.
• Get some sleep.
15