According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), “nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. Older adults are at increased risk for loneliness and social isolation because they are more likely to face factors such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and hearing loss.”
“In a world approaching 8-billion people it seems wrong that anyone should be lonely,” said Advocate Health Advisors CEO and Founder Dr. Darwin Hale “our fellow Americans across the country can benefit from local agents who strengthen community-based networks and engage older adults more fully with available services to lessen their level of isolation. For example, we can invite them to either in-person or virtual group activities where they can interact and connect with others.”
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) highlighted some of the key NASEM findings in their article, Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions including health risks, higher risk groups, and what you can do if you are experiencing loneliness.
