Getting older often means coping with a changing lifestyle. It is common for older folks to lose touch with friends, spend more time indoors, and slow down or stop participation in hobbies. Whether due to illness or a gradual decline in cognitive or physical abilities, these small losses can compound into a life that looks drastically different from the one an individual lived ten, five, or even a single year ago.

The effects of the aging process can drive the fall into senior loneliness; however, not all types of alone time are negative. A large portion of the time spent alone each day can be positive for an older person; it simply depends on how that time is spent.

Here is what families need to know about senior loneliness, the difference in solitude, and how to walk the important fine line between the two.

The Dangers of Senior Loneliness

Loneliness can be a strong emotion, but many people believe it is just that: a feeling. However, studies repeatedly indicate that prolonged episodes of loneliness and isolation increase the risk of many severe health conditions, such as the development of heart disease, strokes, and a generalized risk of death from all causes.

Similarly, medical professionals have found that those who experience regular loneliness in their later years are more prone to mental health challenges, which then contribute to increased mortality rates. These individuals are more prone to the development of dementia and other cognitive difficulties, and they may develop anxiety due to their missing social network.

As science shows, loneliness is not just a feeling; it is a health condition. This is problematic because data show that as many as 25% of all adults over 65 fit the criteria for social isolation. Thus, coping with alone time in a healthy manner is essential for the long-term health of older adults. Embracing the concept of solitude can be a powerful way to flip the script here.

How Solitude Differs from Loneliness

Solitude and loneliness are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. Loneliness is the state of being separate from others due to actions beyond a person’s control. They may not be able to see others as much as they want. In fact, this desire is the driver behind the “feeling” of loneliness. Conversely, solitude is the intentional choice to spend time alone.

Studies show that solitude boosts “the 24 Character Strengths,” which include virtues such as humor, gratitude, and courage. By approaching alone time with intention and cultivating it as an enriching opportunity, older folks can find purpose even when they are separated from others.

How to Encourage Solitude Without Loneliness

While solitude provides benefits that loneliness does not, promoting one instead of the other can be a difficult line to walk. Some options for encouraging productive, healthy solitude without devolving into loneliness include:

• Deriving purpose: Solitude is intentional, which means that one of the best ways to encourage it is to fill it with carefully chosen activities. Hobbies that the individual enjoys are a good way to spend alone time while creating an enriching pastime. Just be sure to select activities that are centered inward, not those that require connection with others in order to succeed. For instance, gardening is a great option! Even an indoor succulent garden or trimming and arranging faux plants can provide beauty and purpose.
• Balance: Solitude is valuable, but it should not be the only way a person spends their entire life. It is essential for an older individual to maintain relationships and social interaction whenever possible. If leaving the house to visit in person is not feasible, consider options ranging from live streaming to sharing a connection with a pen pal somewhere else in the world.
• Reframing: Simply reshaping how an individual thinks about their alone time is an important part of the process of cultivating solitude. Studies indicate that solitude is good for a person if they view it as such. The individual’s perspective on how they are spending their time plays a role in how much it contributes to their mental and emotional well-being.

Embrace Solitude Without Feeling Lonely

It is easy to get lonely when growing older, but time alone does not need to lead to time spent feeling abandoned. Cultivating a healthy process of appreciating solitude can make both mental and physical differences for aging adults.

Contact us to discover how the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia is making a difference in communities like Oakton, Vienna, Dunn Loring-Merrifield, Great Falls, Herndon, and Reston. If you’re outside these areas but have questions, give us a call at 703-260-9568, and we’ll guide you to the Shepherd’s Center nearest to you!