Technology has made it possible to communicate with anyone in the world in an instant and around the clock. Yet loneliness is on the rise and our elderly may not be able to meet their need for meaningful social relationships without help. Loneliness is not synonymous with being alone but rather feeling alone and isolated. The elderly can feel lonely in a group or relationship if they don’t feel understood or cared for as loneliness lies in the quality of relationships and not the number of connections.

Loneliness is a risk factor not only for mental health concerns like depression and decreased memory but also for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, weakened immunity, sleeplessness and stress.

Here are somethings we can all do to help the elderly we know be resilient during these difficult times.

It is important to stay engaged and active during this time. Involve the elderly in various projects at home like demonstrating cooking a family recipe, gardening, sewing, puzzles, recording the family tree, sorting old photo albums, doing some light stretching and walking. Encourage the elderly to listen to music, draw, pursue spirituality and read.

Help the elderly connect to loved ones through online platforms. Call and chat regularly with elders.

Offer practical help with buying or delivering necessities, medications, tasks around the house, getting accurate information and accessing technology. Help them stay informed about how and where to receive medical help in an emergency.

Involve the elderly in conversations about the current situation. It is important for them to stay informed. However the constant influx of information may make them feel anxious. So ensure that they are not exposed to every type of information and help them to receive news from a few reliable sources. Help them practice online safety by showing them how to protect their personal information, delete spam and not respond to scams.