Isolation and loneliness can negatively impact anyone’s mental health. For the elderly population, however, this is even more true. While independence is one of many factors clinicians look for to determine whether an older patient is considered “healthy” or not, it’s also important that our older patients remain engaged with their family, friends, and the community to increase their quality of life. AARP provides several insights and resources for addressing social isolation in the elderly community.
The Prevalence of Isolation
Social isolation is alarmingly prevalent among the elderly. According to the AARP, nearly 1 in 5 Americans aged 65 and older are socially isolated. Research finds that this public health epidemic affects more than 8,000 adults aged 50 and above and is steadily growing as around 10,000 Americans per day turn 65. Social isolation isn’t just a matter of feeling lonely; it’s been shown to have links to several significant health risks and financial repercussions.
In 2017, research shared by the AARP Public Policy Institute revealed that social isolation increases healthcare costs by $6.7 billion annually in addition to Medicare spending. The report also mentions that “socially isolated adults are at greater risk for poor health and death than their well-connected counterparts.”
It is important to recognize the causes of social isolation. According to a 2018 AARP article, social isolation could begin for a variety of reasons, including the loss of a spouse, becoming a caregiver, stepping away from a long-time career, or trouble hearing, seeing, or driving.
Mental and Physical Health Risks
Prolonged isolation in the elderly population can harm a person’s mental and physical health. A study by professors at Brigham Young University found that prolonged social isolation is “as harmful to a person’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day and is more harmful than obesity.”
Social isolation has been linked to significant health risks, including higher blood pressure, greater susceptibility to the flu and other infectious diseases, and earlier onset of dementia.
In 2018, AARP estimated that 17% of adults aged 50 and older suffer from isolation. Despite this number, isolation is not often referred to as a public health issue affecting millions of Americans every year. A shortage of social interaction leads to a shortage of opportunities for self-expression. Having someone around who listens enables validation of an individual’s experiences. When social interactions decline, mental health also tends to decline.
According to the AARP Framework for Isolation in Adults over 50, isolation may lead to depression and a lack of self-confidence. Without trust in one’s own abilities, frustration and self-deprecation can occur. Often, mental health issues go unnoticed. When an isolated person perceives themselves as having no resources or connections, the mental toll of isolation further increases.
Getting Connected is a Key to Improved Well-Being
Community and family engagement play a key role in mitigating the effects of social isolation among the elderly. AARP points out that one factor driving isolation is that many people who lack social connections are often reluctant to ask for help. As a result, they often don’t bother assisting at all.
In such cases, initiating conversations and offering support without imposing solutions will help the elderly feel more valued and connected. It’s also important to emphasize the dangers of isolation and to ask questions to determine which resources best fit the individual’s needs. Experts say senior and community centers play a very useful role in building healthy connections, offering a sense of belonging, and providing opportunities for meaningful social interactions.
Strategies for Enhanced Social Connection
Reports show that people who connect socially are generally happier, healthier, and better able to overcome whatever obstacles are thrown their way. AARP provides helpful suggestions for breaking out of social isolation.
- Plan a reunion. Contacting alumni groups from former schools, workplaces, or other programs is a great way to reconnect with past friends.
- Take a trip. Making plans to travel to a new place can help an individual form new relationships. Those interested in genealogy could also look up their ancestral roots, potentially connecting with distant kin in another country.
- Volunteer or mentor in the community. What better way to socialize than to seek volunteer opportunities at charitable organizations or grassroots events?
- Walk a dog. Many people own a dog and love to let their dog play with other local dogs. This could be a great way to get to know some other dog lovers!
- Visit a house of worship. Churches and synagogues have always prioritized community, allowing members to attend social events and support groups.
- Host a party. Whether it’s a neighborhood welcome party, a birthday party, or a book swap, hosting a party is a great way to meet new people and learn more about their interests.
- Rent out a spare room to someone in need. Not only is this a great opportunity to earn some extra income, it will also provide a safe space for someone who needs a home.
- Leverage the benefits of your health insurance plan. Certain Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, or other health insurance plans offer services that provide companionship or rides to health appointments.
Utilize AARP Resources
AARP’s website includes several unique and engaging opportunities for individuals to explore. Anyone can go to local.aarp.org and enter their ZIP code to find free events and opportunities. Available resources include anything from trainings and classes to movie screenings and virtual fitness.
- AARP offers training as a friendly voice volunteer to check in and talk with people who have asked to be contacted.
- The Connect2Affect website was also created in collaboration with four other groups to allow individuals to find help in 10 categories by typing in a zip code. It also offers a quiz to determine someone’s risk for social isolation.
- Through AARP’s Virtual Community Center, individuals can discover interactive, fun classes, such as dancing, restorative yoga, and wines of the Western U.S. The center also offers brain exercises and information about Medicare, new technology, preventing fraud, and retirement planning.
- Another unique resource is AARP’s Movies for Grownups screenings, which feature a list of movies perfect for a watch party or get-together.
- Senior Planet, an AARP affiliate, offers free virtual fitness and other classes on a variety of topics, including how to use technology. It also has in-person centers in Denver, Miami, New York City, and Palo Alto, California.
Future AARP Initiatives to Address Isolation and Loneliness
On behalf of the Global Council on Brain Health, AARP released the Special Report: Hearing Matters for Brain Health in June, which highlights the importance of addressing hearing loss to promote communication and social engagement and reduce the possibility of cognitive decline and dementia. The report supports a growing body of evidence confirming that social isolation and loneliness, which can be increased with hearing loss, are a public health threat.
AARP continues to conduct research to support the effects of loneliness and isolation on the physical and mental health of the elderly population. The foundation continues to lead initiatives to address this public health crisis. Those interested in learning how they can help older adults prevent social isolation can enroll their loved ones in or volunteer to Create the Good, an activity designed to teach adults practical and effective ways to feel less alone.
Visit aarp.org for more helpful resources, tips, strategies, and tools.
NOTE: All resources cited were pulled from and linked to publicly available sources, including aarp.org.
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