Dangers Of Seniors Living Alone
Currently, there are many people above the age of 65 living alone in their own homes. It is natural for your children to move on with their lives and you might enjoy the independence and freedom in your home. However at some point, living alone can become dangerous both mentally and physically. You never know when you’d take a fall and hurt yourself, or even feel lonely. So here are some dangers of living alone as a senior.
- Social isolation
Humans are naturally social beings and living away from society, not going out much, not talking to people etc. can make you feel like you are no longer a part of your community. This can not only decrease your mental health, but also increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and infectious illness. It is vital that you maintain your role in society. If are able to move out and about, take a stroll around the park, meet with your neighbours, give candy to kids on Halloween or maybe give piano lessons to a bunch of kids. This way, the people around you will always make it a point to pay attention to you so that even if you fall ill and cannot contact anyone, you’d have someone swing by the house anytime. That is why being in a residential care Auckland is better as you’ll be able to mingle with other elders.
- Unable to maintain basic housekeeping
Doing chores around the house is no easy task and you know it by now. You might not be motivated or physically able anymore to take care of your house. it is vital that you keep your home clean and hygienic so that you will not catch any unwanted illnesses. Taking the trash out, mopping and sweeping, dusting etc. can become harder than you expect. It is better if you could get a house maid who would visit you at least every week. In a retirement village and hospital Auckland, hygiene is maintained really well as there are designated staff to clean every few hours.
- Risk of accidental overdose
It is obvious that you will increase the amount of medication you take as you age. However, the problem arises when you take more than needed. It is very easy for you to forget if you took your pills or not and take a second dosage. Though a second dosage will not be of harm, if this continues, it could turn into serious situations such as liver failure. You might sometimes take three or four doses especially if you have mild dementia. There are apps and gadgets that keep track of your medicines so learn to use of them.