The individual and combined effects of social isolation and loneliness on memory in middle-aged and older adults has been studied over six years and the findings are disturbing.
The Canadian study published in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics found both social isolation and loneliness had the greatest negative impact on memory, followed by loneliness alone, social isolation alone, and neither condition.
The researchers said the study suggests that addressing both factors together may improve memory outcomes in this population.
Declines in memory, common in ageing, can impact daily activities and may indicate neurocognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
Over 55 million people globally have these disorders, with numbers expected to rise.
One way for seniors to overcome both social isolation and loneliness is to consider retirement living or a land lease resort.
The Property Council of Australia’s Retirement Living Council published a study ‘Better Housing for Better Health – the Care and Cost Effectiveness of Retirement Living’. It claimed residents in retirement living are:
- 15% more physically active;
- 41% happier, and both physically and mentally healthier;
- Five times more socially active;
- Twice as likely to catch up with family or friends; and
- Have reduced levels of depression and loneliness, saving governments almost $5 million in additional healthcare costs.
“People who live in retirement communities are less lonely and less depressed than older Australians who live independently, because retirement communities encourage physical wellbeing and social interaction,” said Daniel Gannon, Executive Director of the Retirement Living Council.