Ageing is closely associated with social seclusion and isolation. The aftermath of social isolation would then include, amongst others, a chronic state of loneliness. This could have more daunting effects on adults with underlying illnesses. Whatever the case, for most older adults, at a certain age, social isolation is commonplace. To overcome it, older adults can consider these tips:

1. Enrol in an Adult Center

It is an erroneous assumption that only those with terminal diseases should enrol in a geriatric center. In fact, many older adults find the company of people within their age range soothing and comforting. Together, they can reminisce on similar memories or past experiences, and connect with one another on deeper levels.

2. Frequent / Regular Visits

Older adults long for regular/ frequent check-ups from their children, relatives, families and societies. For example, a warm visit from neighbours, religious organizations or fraternity can ignite their passion! A good way to make them stay connected is through visits and providing for them, items that easily bond them with the purpose, passion and value system of the group they must have belonged to.

3. Engage in Activities that Make them Happy/Confident

Staying happy and positive , to a large extent erases the thoughts of isolation and boredom. A good way for them to stay happy, less lonely and more confident is by  doing what makes them happy. This could be a hobby, an interest, a skill that is easily self-done,like dancing, cooking, singing, knitting. Or, keeping things that remind them of what makes them happy around them. This could be watching football leagues  for sports persons, being immersed in cook books and cooking programs for adults that love to cook, the keeping of pets for pet-lovers, or rearing of domestic animals for farmers. These enable them to get busy and keep their mind fixed on the pleasure they derive from these than those crippling thoughts of loneliness.

4. Creating and keeping with them, good memories

One significant feature of social isolation is the effect it has on the mind. Their minds tend to wander and in effect, stumble on life circumstances that they find regretful and saddening. This, in a way, could lead to reminiscence and melancholic moments, having adverse effects on their health and happiness. However, a good  way to overcome social isolation  in this regard, is to counter these thoughts by focusing on keeping  the good memories alive.  These can be in the form of pictures, their first dates, their favourite quotes, their achievements, their victories. It would be like an autobiography template for them. Keeping them all around them in graphical illustrations like pictures, art works, frames , awards amongst others would ignite lights of hope and a deep sense of peace and  tranquility in the minds of these adults.

5. Maximize technology to keep abreast of information

It will be easier for a technologically-savvy older adult to connect better with the world than one who isn’t in the technological information loop. Use of technology and access to information services wet their appetite and satisfy their curiosity of what the world is at their adulthood. Television, radio-sets are most vital in informing them about their immediate environment and the world at large. With this, they feel less isolated or disconnected from them   and they maintain  a sense of identity with the people in and out of their reach , and circle.

6. Getting Help/ A Caregiver

The importance of a care-giver cannot be over-emphasized in avoiding social isolation. A helper or caregiver becomes the first individual they believe can listen to them, talk to them, care for them and they can be vulnerable to, without the fear of being misinterpreted or castigated. Ageing comes with pouring out a lot of emotions and it is much easier to live through adulthood when one believes that there is a person that cares about what you have to say, the stories you want to tell and perhaps, even be there to listen to the sound of your snores when you are asleep. No fear, no tension!

7. Making resources available

Resources like finances, supplies of essential materials for day to day living go a long way to boost the mood, mind and life of older adults.

Conclusion

As we age, adults become less worried about plunging into uncharted territories, thereby opening up doors for social isolation. However, the above points are factors and pointers that would leave every old adult transition well and live the best of their adult life.