Did you know 26.8% of people 65 and older in North Carolina live alone? For older adults living in a home by themselves, limited ability to engage in activities they enjoy or socialize in their community can put them at higher risk for being affected by social isolation. Social isolation among aging adults is a pressing issue with significant implications for one’s well-being, including putting a person at higher risk for developing heart disease, dementia or other life-altering conditions.
On May 3, 2023, Dr. Vivek Murthy released a new Surgeon General advisory calling attention to social isolation and loneliness, stating âOur epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health.â Centralina Area Agency on Aging is actively working to reduce social isolation and loneliness in regional communities through educating residents and stakeholders about the public health concern, what it entails and what people can do to address it in their own community.
What is the difference between social isolation and loneliness?Â
While the two terms are often used interchangeably, it’s important to understand the differences between the two and how to properly define them. Social isolation is the lack of social connections/contacts and having few people to interact with on a regular basis. Loneliness is the distressing feeling of being alone or separated.âŊSocial isolation can lead to loneliness in some people, while others can feel lonely without being socially isolated.Â
What are some risk factors associated with social isolation and loneliness?Â
As individuals grow older, various factors can contribute to a decreased social circle. Some examples include:
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- Experiencing financial struggles
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- Being a full-time caregiver to a family member or love one
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- Having limited social support
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- Living in a community with limited resources
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- Experiencing discrimination in your community (age, race, ethnicity, etc.)
How can social isolation and loneliness affect your overall health?
Social Isolation and loneliness can diminish an individual’s overall quality of life by limiting opportunities for social engagement, meaningful relationships and emotional support. Studies have shown that socially isolated older adults are at a higher risk of developing depression, anxiety and cognitive decline. Social interaction plays a crucial role in maintaining cognitive function and brain health. Moreover, the lack of social interaction can exacerbate existing health conditions and reduce overall quality of life for aging individuals. Social isolation and loneliness are also associated with a higher risk of developing chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obesity, weakened immune function and higher premature death rates.
What can we do to build social connections in our communities?
Addressing this public health concern is essential for promoting holistic health and well-being across one’s lifespan, and interventions aimed at fostering social connections, community engagement and support networks play an important role in mitigating the adverse health affects associated with social isolation. Addressing social isolation in aging adults requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses community support, technology integration and healthcare initiatives.
Community programs aimed at facilitating social connections among seniors, such as group activities, support groups, and volunteer opportunities, can provide much-needed companionship and a sense of belonging.  Additionally, leveraging technology to connect older adults with friends, family and resources can help bridge geographical barriers and facilitate communication. Healthcare professionals also play a crucial role in identifying and addressing social isolation during routine assessments, providing referrals to relevant services and offering emotional support to those in need.
By recognizing the importance of social connections in the lives of aging adults and implementing targeted interventions, we can work towards mitigating the negative effects of social isolation and promoting a healthier and more fulfilling aging experience. Centralina Area Agency on Aging addresses the health concern of social isolation through a range of programs and initiatives tailored to the needs of aging adults in the region. Assistant Aging Program Director, Katie Kutcher states, “Centralina recognizes that social isolation and loneliness are detrimental to the health and quality of life of older adults. Centralina Area Agency on Aging has developed resources to help raise awareness about the risks and signs of social isolation and loneliness and to help people connect to the many aging programs and services that increase social connection and decrease loneliness.”
We have included some of the Centralina AAA resources in the buttons linked below, including information about the Program to Encourage Active Rewarding Lives (PEARLS) that aims to reduce social isolation and depression symptoms in older adults in our region. If you have questions or are interested in more information on services Centralina AAA provides, visit CentralinaAging.org or email aging@centralina.org.
