Seniors in Summer: Empathy Overcomes Loneliness and Isolation

Summer, empty cities, familiar places that in the silenceSilence, often overlooked in the frenzy of modern life, is a... More seem strange, memories of a lost time that sharpen the loneliness of the present. During the summer months, isolation and loneliness can become more burdensome for older adults: children and relatives go on vacation, neighborhoods empty out, and many activities close, often causing seniors to feel abandoned and disoriented, which can negatively impact their physical and mental well-being.

The numbers behind an epidemic of loneliness

According to the latest Censis report, 5 million people over 60 live alone in Italy. Of these, 2 million experience social isolation, an objective condition indicating a lack of social relationships, while 30% suffer from chronic loneliness, a subjective state in which a person can feel alone even when relationships are present that do not meet their expectations.

Research from the University of Calabria shows that overall health in older adults depends on having meaningful relationships based on empathyEmpathy is a fundamental skill that allows us to connect wit... More, comfort, and reciprocity. As pedagogist Marisa Musaio writes, “loneliness evokes the need to share one’s story.”

Heat waves: social support as an antidote to mortality

The University of Rome Tor Vergata, in collaboration with the Comunità di Sant’Egidio, conducted a study on the correlation between old age, social isolation, and heat. The results show a higher mortality rate during heat waves among people over 75 who live alone, without human relationships to rely on.

The Comunità di Sant’Egidio also promoted a project in several Italian cities to counter isolation, “Viva gli Anziani!”, creating a social network around older adults, including home visits, phone calls, help with errands, and meal preparation.

Results showed that in areas covered by the project, heat-related mortality decreased by 50%, thanks to better monitoring of older adults’ health and the psychological comfort provided by caregivers.

Isolation and loneliness: physical and emotional consequences

Research published in Neurology highlighted that social isolation can affect the brains of older adults, increasing the probability of cognitive decline and dementiaDementia is a medical condition characterized by the progres... More by 26%, as well as raising the risk of cardiovascular problems and reducing immune system efficiency.

Psychologically, isolation can trigger feelings of loneliness, potentially leading to depressionDepression is a disorder characterized by persistent sadness... More or anxietyAnxiety is an emotional response characterized by feelings o... More.

Quality relationships: sharing one’s story to regain a sense of self

Caring for an older adult means attending not only to their body but also to their inner world. In the article “Inside the loneliness of the elderly: from geriatric narratives to a pedagogical reinterpretation,” Musaio emphasizes the need to “rise to meet the aging person, not leave them alone.”

During old age, there is a deep need to connect and share one’s story, about family, values, and cultural identity, to redefine oneself and perceive life as still worth living.

Sharing one’s story helps seniors overcome isolation and loneliness, both because narration is a “way to reconstruct one’s life story and remain grounded in the present” and because it fulfills an intergenerational educational role.

By remembering and narrating, older adults bear witness to time and moral principles, reclaiming an active and teaching role for future generations.

The University of Calabria’s study confirms that, in later life, it is important to rely on relationships based on affectionWhat is affect according to science? Affect represents one o... More, sharing, and acceptance. This means offering active listening, showing interest in the senior’s feelings, and trying to empathize with their experiences and emotions without judgment.

Being a support for those over 65: practical tips

Supporting older adults is an act of love that involves not only close family but the whole community. There are simple gestures anyone can practice:

1. If a senior’s mailbox is full of letters or windows have been closed for a couple of days, ring the bell or ask neighbors to check in on them
2. Visit them at home or call regularly to provide comfort and reassurance
3. Offer to help with daily errands or meal preparation, both to monitor their health and to show closeness and interest
4. Contact healthcare providers if the senior appears neglected, wears inappropriate clothing, or speaks confusedly: they may need medical assistance
5. Include them in personal projects or joint activities to convey affection and consideration

Supporting elderly people helps them feel part of the social context while also allowing younger generations to benefit from their inherent wisdom. As literary critic Theodor Codreanu wrote, “Old age is life in slow motion – for this reason, the elderly see better.”