"Empty-Nest" Elderly People Beware of "Empty-Nest Syndrome"

The "empty nest" syndrome in the elderly refers to the situation where the children grow up and move out one after another, leaving the elderly to live alone, and these families become "empty nests". The elderly living in an "empty nest" environment feel separated and abandoned, and experience a series of psychological disorders such as loneliness, emptiness, sadness, mental depression, and low mood, and even pessimism, depression, and anxiety. In severe cases, it can lead to mental disorders and serious damage to the quality of life.

1. What are the causes of “empty nest” syndrome in the elderly?

(1) The body functions of the elderly decline. As the body functions of the elderly age, they suffer from a variety of diseases. The pain of their own diseases and the limitation of their mobility form a vicious cycle with the "empty nest" syndrome of the elderly.

(2) Changes in family structure. The traditional family structure of several generations living together has changed. The elderly live alone and lack the affection and spiritual comfort of their children, which leads to an irreconcilable sense of loss and frustration.

(3) Retirement factors. Some elderly people are not able to adapt to the changes in their lives after retirement and feel lonely after retiring from their jobs.

(4) Psychological and behavioral factors. Elderly people who are depressed and withdrawn may have a lack of interest in life due to their own personality defects and lack the confidence and courage to be independent and redesign their lives in their later years.

2. What are the behavioral manifestations of the “empty nest” syndrome in the elderly?

(1) Spiritual emptiness and lack of enthusiasm for life. After their children leave home, parents suddenly switch from the intense and regular life they have formed over the years to a loose and irregular life. They are unable to adapt quickly, and then develop emotions such as depression, pessimism, helplessness, loss, and emptiness.

(2) Loneliness, pessimism, and lack of social interaction. They doubt the value of their own existence, fall into a state of boredom, lack of desire, hopelessness, and helplessness, and behave in a way that makes them less likely to interact with others, and even have suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

(3) Somatic symptoms. They are mainly manifested as disorders, imbalances and declines in the endocrine, central nervous and immune system functions, decreased resistance, difficulty falling asleep, early awakening, poor sleep quality, headaches, fatigue, indigestion, palpitations and shortness of breath, etc. Some of them may even induce or aggravate physical diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, bronchial, gastric and duodenal ulcers.

3. How to avoid the occurrence of “empty nest” syndrome in the elderly?

(1) The elderly should adjust their daily living patterns and routines before their children become independent so that they can adapt to the upcoming “empty nest” family life.

(2) After their children leave the nest, the elderly should strengthen their relationship with their spouses and care for each other. They should cultivate their hobbies and enrich their family life, actively participate in various cultural and sports social activities, and maintain contacts with relatives and friends to increase social support and relieve their inner loneliness and longing.

(3) Children should go home often to visit and take care of their parents, pay more attention to their parents' physical and mental health, and understand and meet the living and emotional needs of the elderly.

4. How can elderly people living alone avoid the “empty nest” syndrome?

(1) Strengthen self-psychological adjustment and establish an optimistic attitude towards life. Maintaining a stable, optimistic and cheerful mood can improve the body's immune function and reduce the aging and sense of uselessness of the elderly.

(2) Elderly people living alone should actively face the “empty nest”. They should regard their children’s growth and “leaving the nest” as their own achievements, regard living alone as an opportunity to exercise their ability to adapt to society, and be good at arranging their own lives.

(3) Cultivate interests and hobbies, actively participate in various cultural and recreational activities, expand social interactions, and enrich spiritual and social life.

(4) Face up to reality and make full use of your remaining energy. The elderly have a lot of experience and knowledge. After retirement, they can do something within their capacity in their workplace or family. This is not only beneficial to society, but also helps reduce the sense of aging, decadence and emptiness.