Isolation / Loneliness

While the holiday season conjures up images of festive gatherings and family reunions, it’s also a time that highlights the prevalence of loneliness and social isolation in our society. Estimates are that one in every 11 Americans over 50 has no spouse, partner or living child and that 8 million…

As a new report just out from the Kaiser Family Foundation makes clear, loneliness is a growing global public health epidemic. And, according to The Unlonely Project, older adults are especially susceptible to loneliness and social isolation, which can have a negative impact on health and well-being. Unsurprisingly, there are new…

A sad but inevitable part of growing older is that old friends may pass away and making new friends is not easy. As a recent article in Kaiser Health News points out, acquiring new friends, especially into our later years, can be a daunting task. Yet we also know how…

For seniors who have outlived their friends and family, loneliness and isolation are serious concerns. Not only are there psychological implications, but in fact there is evidence to support the connection between loneliness and physical illness, and even premature death. So it only makes sense that doctors consider “treating” loneliness…

It’s no secret that older people can become isolated and lonely, especially as connections with relatives and friends fall away and losses of loved ones occur. Without regular social interaction, grief and depression may overwhelm a lonely senior, potentially causing serious harm. Years ago, Patrick Arbore, of the Institute on…