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Understanding Social Isolation and Loneliness: A Public Health Concern

Explore the difference between social isolation and loneliness, risk factors, health impacts, interventions, and the role of technology in combating these issues. Learn how to identify, support, and connect individuals at risk.

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Understanding Social Isolation and Loneliness: A Public Health Concern

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  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

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