Consequences of Elderly People Living Alone *
Are you notice that the number of elderly population is increasing all over the world? As the nuclear family lifestyle increases, it is also more common for older individuals to live alone. At first glance, this situation seems attractive for the elderly in terms of having a private space. However, the elderly face many negative consequences over time. Three important effects of elderly people living alone on their lives are physiological, psychological, and environmental consequences.
Physical Effects
First of all, the most visible consequence of an elderly person living alone is the physical effects. When an individual starts living alone, eating disorders begin to appear. Some people eat too much and gain weight, while others begin to become malnourished. Since they have limited motion, loss of movement and pain occur. Along with all these, rapid aging is observed in the elderly.
In addition, another important
consequence of an elderly person living alone is the psychological
consequences. As communication decreases, social isolation happenes and
people begin to move away from society. The feeling of loneliness is the
first step to emotional downfall. Depression then consists and a psychological collapse
begins.
Environmental Effects
Finally, environmental effects are the
last and most vital consequences for both the elderly living alone and their
relatives. When they are alone at home, they become vulnerable to many
dangers. They become obvious targets of thieves as a result they may suffer
material and moral damage. The elderly are also a target of cheaters. People
who try to grab their wealths deceive and cheat them. There should be someone
to help the elderly, both from harm by bad people and in emergency situations.
Otherwise, there will be no one to provide first aid and call for help in case
of fall or injury.
In Conclusion
To sum up, physiological, psychological, and environmental impacts are the most significant consequences that elderly people living alone will experience at home. When elderly people are alone, their eating habits will get worse, their movements will be limited, they will experience rapid aging and their pain will increase. Moreover, they will suffer from depression and social isolation. They will also have a life open to external dangers. All this information indicates that elderly individuals should not live alone at home so should not be allowed.
* Fatma Özmenoğlu
Sources;
https://slideplayer.com/slide/6322957/
https://slideplayer.com/slide/9732203/
https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/1133824
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357326996_YASLANMA_VE_YALNIZLIK
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