Introduction:
Only the Lonely
Loneliness is something that just about everyone feels on occasion. Retired individuals and those who are nearing retirement may feel the pangs of loneliness more than someone who is in his or her forties or fifties.
Once you start to delve into the reasons why this is the case, it makes sense that older seniors are going to be lonelier.
The Loneliness of Aging
As seniors age, they start to lose many of those who were close to them. Friends and acquaintances of a similar age may be passing away, limiting the number of people with whom the senior is able to spend time. The loss of a spouse can be one of the most devastating events in a person’s life.
In fact, you will find many different reasons that loneliness can start to settle into the elderly, from fear to boredom, and we will go over them in the coming chapters.
Loneliness can lead to depression as well as a variety of other health problems. It is important that those who are experiencing the loneliness realize they are not alone, and that they seek the help and treatment that they might need.
Who Should Read This Book?
Friends and family members that are younger will want to make sure that they read the material in this book, as should seniors who are feeling the weight of loneliness settling in around them.
The book will offer tips and techniques for dealing with the loneliness, as well as insight into the various problems linked with elder loneliness.
While it might not be possible for someone who is younger to understand fully the emotional pain that loneliness can cause, it’s important to understand the reality of loneliness and depression in the elderly.
With this book, we will try to do just that.