With age, loneliness can settle in silence and weigh heavily on morale.
Retirement, health problems, widowhood … Seniors are particularly affected by loneliness over the years. It often settles insidiously and worsens with social isolation. “This is the most important factor” Observe Sandrine Paris, aging psychologist. “An elderly, retired person, who has no social interaction, will experience loneliness much stronger than a well surrounded person.” Loneliness is a risk factor for depression. “Elderly people can have a tendency to addiction, especially drugs and alcohol. Sometimes loneliness is filled by these substances.”
The signs of this suffering vary from person to person. “I see in my patient elderly people who remain very discreet and do not verbalize their loneliness. They explain that they do not want to worry or be a charge for their children”continues Sandrine Paris. Others will express their discomfort by what she calls a “attentional quest”: repeated calls for trifles, diffuse anxiety … “And when it is not enough, they can develop psychosomatic disorders.” The most revealing sign is the withdrawal, visible when the person ceases his usual activities: gardening, walking, weekly appointments … “You can be alone but very busy but when you are alone and busy, you have to get it.” And react.
Concretely, you have to reintroduce rhythm and meaning in your day. “The first thing to know is that you should not stay in bed, even if loneliness makes you want to take refuge in it so as not to have to start the day” warns the psychologist. His method: to ritualize everyday life. “My patients and I do action plans, with at least two pleasant activities per day. In general, this is one thing at home and one outside.“For example, reading, listening to music, cooking or writing at home; walking, gardening, going to the market or the library, participating in a workshop or volunteering outdoors. “The idea is to look for what matters to yourself.”
The specialist also advises to anticipate isolation before he settles down. “It starts from the transition to retirement. This great transition requires major adaptation efforts.” The expert recommends maintaining social ties and cultivating a feeling of utility. “The idea is to keep meaning and consistency in its existence.” And if isolation becomes suffering, do not hesitate to consult. “”Aging well is as well taking care of your mental health “ concludes Sandrine Paris.
