Loneliness in older adults:

Whether living among children and grandchildren or in a large household, many older adults can still feel lonely. Loneliness is reported to occur in about one-third of older adults, with 5% feeling lonely frequently or consistently.

From missing a spouse to severe depression

According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Mai, Head of the Department of Mental Health for the Elderly and Sleep Medicine (Institute of Mental Health, Bach Mai Hospital), recent research in the United States shows that about 17-57% of elderly people experience loneliness, higher for those with physical and mental health problems, especially those with heart disease, depression, anxiety, and dementia.

Loneliness is not simply about living alone. It's a subjective feeling when a person feels disconnected, lacking sharing, and no longer cared for, listened to, or needed. A case study of a 66-year-old female patient from Bac Giang, recently treated at the Institute of Mental Health, demonstrates that loneliness in the elderly can lead to serious mental disorders.

Dr. Nguyen Van Hai, MD, MSc, Department of Geriatric Mental Health and Sleep Medicine (Institute of Mental Health, Bach Mai Hospital) reported: Three years ago, the patient's husband suffered a stroke. Throughout that time, she was the one who directly cared for him, from daily activities to taking him for treatment.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Mai, Head of the Department of Mental Health for the Elderly and Sleep Medicine (Institute of Mental Health, Bach Mai Hospital), examines a patient. Photo: PV

Six months ago, her husband passed away. Although her children care for her, they all work and live in Hanoi , so they cannot be with her regularly. This has gradually led the patient to feel empty, lacking someone to talk to and share with, and even suffering from prolonged insomnia, sleeping only about 2 hours a day on average, with many sleepless nights accompanied by persistent headaches that worsen when she thinks too much.

The patient's mental state also worsened progressively. The patient became depressed, pessimistic, and lost interest in previous activities, often preferring solitude and avoiding contact with others. Within two months, the patient lost 5 kg due to poor appetite.

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Notably, the patient exhibited negative thoughts, feeling guilty towards her children, and repeatedly contemplated suicide as a way to escape her suffering. Examinations at the Institute of Mental Health revealed that the patient had severe depression, moderate anxiety, and severe sleep disorders.

Treatment involves more than just medication.

To treat the patient, the doctor combined several methods including: antidepressants, tranquilizers, anxiety-reducing medications, along with psychotherapy, relaxation exercises, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). After about 5 days, suicidal thoughts and paranoia gradually disappeared, and sleep improved. By the second week of treatment, the patient's appetite improved, their mobility increased, and their fatigue significantly decreased. After 17 days of treatment, the patient was eligible for discharge and continued outpatient monitoring.

According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Mai, elderly people at high risk of loneliness are often those who live alone, are widowed, have recently lost a loved one, suffer from chronic illnesses, have hearing or vision impairments, or receive little support from their families. Common signs include: rarely leaving the house or meeting friends, giving up favorite activities, sitting alone for long hours, and reduced self-care...

Emotionally, older adults may frequently experience sadness, feelings of self-pity, abandonment, insignificance, or a sense of being misunderstood. In some cases, this manifests as insomnia, loss of appetite, weight loss, persistent fatigue, or unexplained body aches.

According to the Institute of Mental Health, supporting the elderly in overcoming loneliness should begin within the family. Simple actions such as maintaining regular phone calls, sharing family meals, and consulting with the elderly in joint decisions are helpful ways to increase social connection and encourage them.

In addition, older adults should be encouraged to maintain daily activities such as reading, gardening, listening to music, and doing light exercise; participating in senior citizen clubs, health and wellness groups, community activities, and building a healthy lifestyle.

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When feelings of loneliness persist and affect daily life, older adults should seek mental health care. If the patient frequently talks about death, considers themselves a burden, or exhibits suicidal thoughts, the family should take the patient to a specialist immediately.

Loneliness is not an inevitable part of old age. With proper care, maintaining connections with family and community, and receiving timely medical support, older adults can live happy, healthy, and meaningful lives in their later years.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/co-don-o-nguoi-cao-tuoi-noi-buon-am-tham-co-the-dan-toi-tram-cam-1160542.html