Everyone feels lonely now and then, but loneliness in senior living is a growing concern. During the pandemic, this was very common, and in fact, most people were isolated and lonely for months at a time. In May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., M.B.A., called loneliness a public health epidemic. I was curious to read a recent poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) that found that early in 2024, 30% of adults say they have experienced feelings of loneliness at least once a week over the past year, while 10% say they are lonely every day!
When asked about a change in their level of loneliness since before the pandemic, 43% of American adults said their levels of loneliness had not changed, and 25% said they were lonelier. Only 23% of respondents felt less lonely. Most of the participants in the study felt that technology assisted them in staying connected; however, the adults are split on whether technology fosters meaningful or superficial relationships. The Health Minds Monthly poll confirms loneliness is widespread, especially in young people, but what about loneliness in senior living?
Many of the respondents (50%) found a “distraction like TV, podcasts, or social media” eased their feelings of loneliness, 41% liked to go for a walk, 38% reached out to friends or family, and 31% connected with a pet. Look at these statistics and think about your residents. Are they experiencing loneliness? Do they appear apathetic, uninterested, distracted? Now look at what people found helpful in reducing their feelings of loneliness. How simple could that be? We are already doing this for our residents, and if we aren’t, we should be! Sure, TV is distracting, but it is also isolating. How about walking? When was the last time you got a group of residents together and went for a walk outdoors? Are you equipped to assist your residents in staying connected with family and friends through tablets, iPhones, computers, etc.? And, of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t recognize the value of pet therapy. Come on! No one likes to be lonely, and seniors often don’t share that they are lonely. Let’s slow the epidemic that we have some control over; you can do it! Stay well and stay informed!
