It’s been dubbed the double pandemic for seniors: loneliness and COVID-19.
Already the most isolated demographic group before the pandemic, rates of isolation and loneliness among adults 65 and older have skyrocketed in the past year.
Staying apart and limiting in-person connectivity has been a lifesaving strategy, reducing risk of exposure to COVID-19. For the 28 percent of older Americans who live alone, this has meant little to no human contact for months on end. Studies show the impact of this prolonged isolation can be life limiting.
Social isolation and loneliness are linked to higher risks of cognitive decline, depression, high blood pressure, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, a weakened immune system, anxiety and even early death, according to the National Institute on Aging.
It’s possible to be socially isolated and not experience loneliness. Social isolation is the objective physical separation from other people (living or being alone), while loneliness is the subjective distressed feeling of being alone or separated. That feeling of “aloneness” is at the root of the increased negative health risk.
“Loneliness acts as a fertilizer for other diseases,” Dr. Steve Cole, director of the Social Genomics Core Laboratory at the University of California, Los Angeles says. “The biology of loneliness can accelerate the buildup of plaque in arteries, help cancer cells grow and spread, and promote inflammation in the brain leading to Alzheimer’s disease. Loneliness promotes several different types of wear and tear on the body.”
Fortunately, the antidote to loneliness doesn’t depend on clinical trials or well-established distribution systems. It’s within our collective power to reach out to isolated seniors to reduce their feeling of “aloneness.” In doing so, we can, to some degree, mitigate the impact of this double pandemic for older adults.
The key is consistent, sustained and meaningful connectivity. Checking on your older neighbors or friends once is great. Regular and routine meaningful conversations and connectivity – even virtually – is where the most significant benefit lies.
To combat social isolation and loneliness among area seniors, the Area Agency on Aging launched a Friendly Caller telephone reassurance service in May. An army of volunteers signed up, were carefully screened, trained and then matched with areas seniors in need of sustained social connectivity.
Volunteers make weekly calls to ensure seniors feel connected and valued. Both the volunteers making the calls and seniors served describe the service as impactful. Citing feelings of desperation prior to signing up for the program, one Van Buren County senior said, “This service is the reason I’m doing better.”
The age of volunteers varies widely. Several are college students.
“I enjoy the calls as much as he does,” one Michigan State University student volunteer says. “I love hearing about what life was like when he was young, and he says he enjoys hearing about college life in today’s age. Our calls are really interesting.”
Volunteer callers also connect seniors to AAA staff who can help seniors access resources and services if issues arise or specific needs are identified.
If you are an older adult, or if you know someone who would welcome a weekly call from a Friendly Caller, there are caring volunteers ready to be matched with seniors who would benefit from a weekly friendly chat. Your social circle will grow, and it’s possible that your health will be positively impacted.
Call the Info-Line for Aging and Disability at 800-654-2810 or visit AreaAgencyonAging.org to learn more.