World Mental Health Day 2024: Tips for your parents to ease loneliness and holistic approaches to mental wellbeing | Health

Loneliness is a growing epidemic among older adults, especially as more seniors live alone or have limited social interactions. This state goes beyond the mere feeling of loneliness; It involves a deep sense of disconnection and isolation that can have serious psychological consequences.

As life expectancy increases, so does the urgency to address the mental health needs of our aging population. In an interview with HT Lifestyle on World Mental Health Day, Sanjeev Kumar Jain, CEO and Founder, Nema Eldercare, said: “While advances in healthcare have extended the years of life for people, there is a particular need to ensure the quality of those years too.” mental well-being is possible. Loneliness is one of the biggest challenges for older people and goes far beyond the lack of companionship – it's about the deep, often silent pain of feeling disconnected from the world around you. Addressing this problem requires more than just providing companionship; It requires fostering real connections and a sense of belonging.”

The psychological toll of loneliness

The emotional and psychological effects of loneliness can be devastating. Research has shown that prolonged loneliness can lead to a range of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety and cognitive decline.

Older people who suffer from chronic loneliness are at higher risk of developing conditions such as dementia and are also more likely to see their physical health deteriorate rapidly. Dr. Reema Nadig, Group COO at Lifebridge Senior Care Private Limited, contributed her expertise and emphasized, “Loneliness in older people is not just a feeling of being alone; It is a serious psychological problem that can lead to a range of mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety and even dementia. The emotional and psychological toll of loneliness can manifest itself in a variety of ways, leading to a decline in cognitive function and overall well-being.”

In India, where the traditional family structure is evolving and more and more older people live alone, loneliness is becoming an increasingly common problem. Added to this is the stigmatization of older people's mental health, which often prevents open discussion and support.

Ease loneliness through connection and community

Combating loneliness requires a multi-pronged approach that includes not only providing companionship, but also fostering meaningful connections through the use of technology, community engagement, and mental health support to combat loneliness. According to Sanjeev Kumar Jain, through interest-based social groups, from gardening to reading, seniors can connect through shared passions and create lasting friendships and a sense of belonging. Safety and accessibility are also of utmost importance. Strict privacy controls are in place to encourage seniors to engage in social activities without fear.

Intergenerational interaction also plays a crucial role in alleviating loneliness. This not only provides seniors with much-needed social support, but also enriches the lives of the younger generation and creates a more connected society.

Hemanshu Jain, co-founder of Khyaal, explained: “Managing mental health can be a complex and often lonely journey for many seniors, often burdened with lifelong memories and the inevitable changes that come with age.” Through the Participating in community groups or learning new technologies can reduce isolation and foster meaningful connections. Resilience and mental agility can be greatly increased through acceptance of change, whether through adapting to new habits or finding joy in long-lost interests.”

Holistic approaches to mental health

Addressing the psychological effects of loneliness also requires a focus on mental health support. For seniors experiencing chronic loneliness or emotional distress, access to professional counseling is critical. Make sure seniors have access to qualified mental health professionals who can provide them with the support they need. This helps seniors cope with the emotional toll of loneliness and promotes overall psychological well-being.

Sama Beg, Chief Product Officer at Emoha, also highlighted the importance of community in tackling loneliness, saying: “Loneliness among older people is a growing epidemic, with almost a third of those over 60 suffering from isolation.” Empowering Community bonds through peer support, volunteerism and intergenerational programs can help foster connections.”

Loneliness is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive approach to address its psychological impact on older people. As our population ages, it is imperative that we prioritize the mental health of our older people and ensure they live out their golden years with dignity, fulfillment and joy.