Social isolation has proven challenging for many people throughout the pandemic. But even after life begins to return to normal, many older adults may continue to feel the effects of loneliness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of adults over 45 say they are lonely and a quarter of those over 65 are socially isolated. Older adults are at higher risk for experiencing loneliness and social isolation due to living alone, loss of family and friends, loss of hearing, and other factors.
Prolonged feelings of loneliness can critically affect older adults’ health, as social isolation is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicide. Research has also shown that social isolation increases the risk of dementia by 50%.
The following list of organizations, programs, and informational websites aim to reduce social isolation among older adults. Continue reading “Informational Websites and Articles for Older Adults and Their Loved Ones”