social isolation & loneliness; preparing for the next …...2 social isolation and loneliness...
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Social Isolation & Loneliness; Preparing for the Next Epidemic
Maureen Feldman M.AThe Social Isolation Impact Project
Motion Picture Television Fund
Solitary Confinement
Intended as the Harshest of Punishments
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Social Isolation and Loneliness are not the same but often have the
same results
Social Isolation is a lack of social connections and lack of contact with
society—it’s quantifiable.
Loneliness is the subjective feeling of being alone and distress over not having enough social relationships or enough contact with
people
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Why Now?
Social isolation and loneliness could present the greatest public health challenge our time
Increased Health Risks
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Weakened Immune system
• Sleep Problems
• Depression and Anxiety
• Alcohol & Pain Medication abuse
Socially isolated or lonely people have a higher risk of:
Needing long-term care
Increas Increased ER visits
Be a victim of fraud
Experience elder abuse
64% Dementia
26% likelihood of death
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Why Are so Many Living Alone?
• Higher divorce rates• People are having fewer children• Families moving farther and farther apart• Choosing not to marry or have children• Adult children not available
Triggering Events
• Loss of a loved one
• Retirement or loss of income
• Loss of a drivers license or transportation
• Psychological and cognitive challenges
• Chronic health conditions or Disability
• Sensory impairment (hearing, eyesight)
Being a Caregiver
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Caregivers of partners in the LBGT community may face compounded
challenges
Myths about Loneliness
• It’s a normal part of aging
• It’s synonymous with depression
• It can’t occur if you live with others andhave friends
• It doesn’t exist in married couples
• It will go away if you join a group
Dr. Carla Perissinotto
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What Does The Future Look Like?
By 2030 83.7 million Americans will be 65 years old and over
Cost to Community, Social and Health Care Services
• Medicare costs were $134 more monthlyfor those who identified with being isolatedor lonely
• $1608 is spent per person annually
$6.7 billion annually
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Current Funding --Disease Related
Alcohol Abuse
Obesity
Smoking
Air Pollution
What Can We Do Right Now?1. Help de-stigmatize the issues by pushing
the message that loneliness is damaging tohealth
1. Become familiar with as many resourcesavailable to you in your service areas
2. Encourage clients and their families to startexpanding their social circles and supportsystems earlier
3. Recognize the economic case for tacklingloneliness and take the 1st steps
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Screening Tools
• AARP Connect2Affect
• The UCLA 3 –Loneliness Scale
• The Duke Social Support Index (DSSI)
• Campaign to End Loneliness –
Assessment tool
Types of Interventions
Family involvement –some tech
• Senior Centers with group & socialactivities, low-cost meals
• Faith based programs
• Volunteer social phone calls &friendly visiting programs
• Neighborhood and community—
Existing Programs
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Educate Family
Let’s not Forget the Neighbors
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New Meaning for Neighborhood Watch
Create Community Programs
With greater awareness we can help clients maintain and strengthen ties to family and friends, expand their social circles
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Next Steps
• Can your agency screen for isolation andloneliness?
• Would it be cost effective in the long term?
• Which stakeholders can you include?
• How can your agency collaborate withother agencies to meet the needs of yourclients?
Future Goals
Work together to reduce the stigma associated with loneliness and isolation
Reach and support older adults most at risk
Increase the number
of programs and
services offered
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The Social Isolation & LonelinessImpact Coalition
Maureen Feldman M.A.
The Motion Picture Television Fund
818‐876‐1190
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