Loneliness Affecting Health of Older Adults

Experts warn chronic loneliness can have serious health consequences for seniors, elevating their risk for high blood pressure, cognitive impairment, and even early death, reports WHOTV . The Prairie Vista Village senior living community in Altoona, Iowa, calls loneliness a serious issue, and the community provides activities to try to encourage daily socialization. "We do a lot of activities here within our community that the family members can come here and do . . . like Christmas dinner with senior residents," said Prairie Vista Marketing Director Makenzie Appleton. "We had our Christmas party, holiday open house that they were able to attend." Although holidays are an important time to consider such things, Appleton warns that loneliness affects seniors year-round.