As the days shorten, cooler weather takes hold, and the urge to retreat indoors to the comfort of home grows, it is the perfect time to remind ourselves of the importance of social connection for older adults, renew support for more engagement in our communities, and make healthy aging a reality for all who live there.
For older adults, social isolation can affect their health. One in four older adults faces social isolation, meaning they have few people they can interact with on a regular basis, which can make it difficult for them to access resources and stay healthy—both physically and mentally. Social isolation negatively affects health and increases risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, dementia, and other conditions.
Who is at risk for social isolation?
As people age, many life changes increase the risk for social isolation and loneliness. These changes may include retiring from work, changes in physical health and the ability to see, hear, or move around, and the loss of friends and family. Other risk factors include:
- Feeling a lack of purpose
- Financial hardships
- Lack of transportation and difficulty leaving home without help
- Being a caregiver for a loved one
- Living alone
Screening is a way to take action
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has an informational guide on social isolation, which includes a self-assessment to help older adults identify if they are at risk for social isolation or loneliness. Screening can be the first step to motivate older adults to seek social engagement and improve their social well-being.
Commit to Connect
ACL, in partnership with other federal agencies and organizations, created the Commit to Connect social engagement hub with activities and resources to help older adults stay socially connected as they age. Activities range from attending community meetings for certain hobbies, such as crafting, to free courses and lectures, and visiting local attractions and events. Many of these opportunities are available in-person and online to allow for older adults facing barriers to still become connected.
Commit to Connect also includes resources that professionals can share with older adults to help them develop deeper relationships with the people already in their lives. Other resources connect older adults to hotlines, which can provide crisis support or just casual conversation, a virtual senior center for home-bound individuals, and an online community to connect with others over games and conversation. Best of all, there are many avenues for engaging with the local community by volunteering and giving back. Volunteering can reduce social isolation, increase connection, and renew a feeling of purpose. In coordination with programs like this, many organizations in communities across the nation, including faith-based organizations, provide older adults with an array of activities, resources, support, and opportunities to volunteer while deepening spirituality and social connection within the community.
Get active!
Many community programs that facilitate physical activity do so in group settings to connect older adults in the community with each other. Even online classes help older adults improve their health by combining physical activity and social engagement. Community-based organizations and public health entities can discover more promising programs through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Eldercare Locator, a resource center funded by the Administration for Community Living, can help older adults discover local resources and find transportation. Or use ODPHP’s Move Your Way® tools, videos, and fact sheets for older adults and launch your own program to help older adults get a little more active.
Raise awareness
It is important for community organizations, local government, and healthcare providers to increase awareness of the risks of social isolation and implement strategies to improve social engagement. The NIH’s National Institute on Aging developed a toolkit with health information, graphics, social media posts, fliers, and videos to use in outreach efforts. Committing to tackling this issue and facilitating social connection among older adults can build healthier and happier communities.
Related Healthy People 2030 topics:
Related Healthy People 2030 objectives:
