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

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

Social isolation and loneliness are NOT the same issue

Social Isolation – Objective state Actual lack of social connectivity Loneliness – Subjective Experience Person’s perceptions

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

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

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

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

The health risk of social isolation is equated to smoking 15 cigarettes a day!

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

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

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

Pet ownership has emotional benefits

Technology – Impact on Social 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

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