Isolation is often called the “silent killer” for older Americans. An estimated 8 million seniors in the U.S. experience significant social isolation, a problem highlighted by experts who testified before the Senate Special Committee on Aging in April. On average, about 40 percent of older adults are affected by isolation that accompanies living alone, and the resulting loneliness raises their risk for depression, cognitive decline, and premature death.
Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Ph.D., a psychology professor at Brigham Young University, told Congress that lack of social connection can be as harmful to seniors’ health as smoking or obesity. Her analysis of 148 studies involving roughly 300,000 participants found that stronger social ties were associated with a roughly 50 percent reduction in premature mortality among older adults.
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An unexpected risk of staying in the home
Nearly nine in ten older adults say they prefer to remain in their homes as long as possible, according to AARP, and there are clear emotional and financial reasons for that choice. Yet staying at home can increase the risk of social isolation—especially when a spouse, partner, or longtime friends and neighbors move away or die, or when loved ones need extended inpatient care.
Living alone does not automatically lead to loneliness, but it does heighten the possibility. Experts testifying before the Senate committee reported that seniors experiencing the greatest levels of loneliness and isolation have more than double the odds of dying within six years compared with their least-isolated peers.
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Innovative ideas to address senior isolation
Human beings need interpersonal contact, yet social interaction often declines with age. At the same time, community programs that help counter isolation, such as Meals on Wheels, face budget pressures. This gap has pushed health systems and other organizations to develop new approaches to reduce isolation among older adults.
One example is CareMore, a unit of Anthem, which launched the “Be in the Circle: Be Connected” campaign. Developed by company president Dr. Sachin Jain, the initiative grew from his observations in clinical practice that loneliness both contributes to and results from many health problems in older patients. As friends and family move away or pass on, seniors may gradually withdraw, and that isolation can lead to declines in hygiene, physical activity, nutrition, medication management, and overall well-being.
The Be Connected program encourages clinicians to screen for loneliness and coordinate with social workers to reach out to isolated patients. It also explores redesigning clinic waiting areas into spaces that foster social interaction and creating senior-focused fitness centers that promote both exercise and social connection.
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Solutions for senior loneliness
Whether seniors remain at home or move into a senior living community, the goal is to keep them healthy and independent as long as possible. Research shows, however, that social engagement must be a central part of that effort because it affects both physical and mental health.
Communities, health systems, and policymakers should look for ways to encourage older adults to take part in volunteer work, classes, clubs, and other activities that foster meaningful connections. Improving transportation options and senior-friendly ride services can make it easier for people to leave their homes and join social activities.
Senior living communities—such as continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also known as life plan communities—offer built-in opportunities for social interaction. Residents benefit from living near peers in similar life stages and from a steady schedule of social events and activities, including social hours, cooking and fitness classes, and hobby-based affinity groups.
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Beyond access to progressive care, regular social engagement available in these communities can yield important physical and psychological benefits that support long-term health and quality of life.
Learn more about CCRCs in your area by using our free online community search tool.