Social Isolation & Loneliness

1. Social Isolation & Loneliness Vicki L. Schmall, Ph.D Gerontology Specialist/Director – Aging Concerns Professor Emeritus – Oregon State University

2. A few statistics: • 17% report being socially isolated • 40%+ experience loneliness • Medicare spends $134 more/month for each socially isolated older adult

3. Social isolation and loneliness are NOT the same issue

4. Social Isolation – Objective stateActual lack of social connectivity Loneliness – Subjective ExperiencePerson’s perceptions

5. Social Isolation: A significant public health issue • Canada – Declared social isolation among seniors as its priority area • United Kingdom – Campaign to End Loneliness and has a “Minister for Loneliness” • United States – CareMore AARP – Connect2Affect

6. Typology of people • Being integrated (non-isolated) • Becoming isolated slowly over time • Being recently isolated due to an acute event • Being lifelong isolates Biordo and Nicholson, 2009

7. Risk Factors for Social Isolation • Small and/or inadequate social network • Living alone • Location • Rural, unsafe or inaccessible neighborhood • Recent move to unfamiliar area • Health decline and disability • Sensory impairments • Major life events • Lacking access to transportation

8. Risk Factors for Social Isolation • Low income • Caregiving for someone with severe impairment • Belonging to a minority group

9. The health risk of social isolation is equated tosmoking 15 cigarettes a day!

10. Social isolation is linked with: • Decline in physical and mental health • Decreased resistance to infection • Increased death • Depression • Dementia • Risk of elder abuse • Increased hospitalizations

11. Loneliness is independently associated with an increased rate of functional decline and death

12. Social Isolation Interventions • Group-based programs • Participants actively involved • Involves social support/activity • Seven to eight group members who meet regularly (weekly) • One-on-one Interventions • Person centered • Focused on relationship building

13. Pet ownership has emotional benefits

14. Technology – Impact onSocial Isolation and Loneliness • Video Chatting – Skype and FaceTime • Helps older adults best • Mimics face-to-face contact and is real-time • Voice-activated technology • AARP pilot program suggests Alexa has promise • Just talking to it seems to produce a positive response that can help to combat loneliness • Challenge – initial resistance to technology

15. What you can do • Recognize social isolation • Listen carefully • Ask about family, friends, and recent losses • Promote a sense of purpose • Make transportation available • Reconnect person to family and friendship networks • Share community programs • Use technology as a connection tool • Access a Friendly Visitor program • Refer to mental health services