There is solitude.  Then there is loneliness.  And when feelings of loneliness come along with isolation, it can be harmful in many ways to a person’s short- and long-term health and wellbeing.  This is true for someone of any age.  Above all, it is concerning among the growing population of older adults.  This is because of the difficult challenge of taking the actions necessary to remedy it.

AARP did a national study on this topic.  They surveyed over 3,000 adults who were 45 years of age and older.  Some facts which their research revealed include:

• Loneliness was a significant predictor of poor health. Those who rated their health as “excellent” were over half as likely to be lonely than those who rated their health as “poor” (25% vs. 55%).

• A little over one-third (35%) of the survey respondents were categorized as lonely.

• Almost half (45%) of those who had lived in their current residence for less than 1 year reported feeling lonely.

Webinar – How to Reduce Feelings of Loneliness

Find out more about loneliness and how to take steps to reduce feelings of isolation for yourself or a loved one.  View this webinar.  “You Are Not Alone: Strategies to Reduce Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation As We Age” is presented by Lisa Ferretti, expert researcher and professor at Temple University.

After you view it, leave us a comment.  Share your thoughts about this important topic!

Professor Lisa A. Ferretti is a Research Assistant Professor and Director of Strategic Initiatives at Temple University School of Social Work in the College of Public Health. Lisa holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Albany with a specialization in Management and Gerontology. She has dedicated her career to advancing population health goals.

 

Images:

Tree: CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0), Public Domain Dedication

Citation for AARP Survey:
Anderson, G. Oscar. Loneliness Among Older Adults: A National Survey of Adults 45+. Washington, DC: AARP Research, September 2010. https://doi.org/10.26419/res.00064.001