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 state Actual lack of social connectivity
Loneliness – Subjective Experience Person’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 to smoking 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 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

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