Avoiding isolation while grieving
August 18, 2010
Grief can change the emotional shape of a person’s life, incurring psychological troubles and social isolation. Getting older means trying to adapt to this fact, but it’s never easy to do.
The Daily Herald reports that when senior Laurel Frisch lost her husband of 52 years, she was so stricken that she couldn’t even read a book.
“I thought I had prepared myself for it… I’m still feeling practically immobile,” she told the news source.
Isolation can be the biggest change in a grieving person’s life, since depression may drive them to stay in their homes and admit very few visitors. Women are particularly hard hit, as a survey found that 41 percent of American women were widowed, while only 13 percent of men had lost a spouse.
Psychotherapy, antidepressants and constant communication with other loved ones may help ease the burden of loss. Trying a new hobby can also offer a person a new outlet as well. The news provider also suggests that technology could have a positive impact.
Staying isolated as one ages can contribute to depression and even put a person at higher risk for at-home injuries. Installing a medical life alert system can ensure a senior’s safety and independence, and also allow them to communicate with family members.
