Not Surprising that Many Older Adults Feel More Isolated in 2020

We knew even before the pandemic that many older adults felt lonely and isolated. Now with seniors and people with underlying conditions sheltering in place and avoiding crowds in an effort to stay safe, the situation has gotten much worse.

The National Poll on Healthy Aging (NPHA) out of the University of Michigan followed up on a similar poll they did in October, 2018 with a different sampling of individuals during March to June of 2020. Both surveys interviewed people between the ages of 50 to 80 and focused on questions such as “lack of companionship and isolation (loneliness), social interactions, and health behaviors.”

Researchers found in 2018, 34% of participants said they felt a lack of companionship. In 2020, participants’ responses pushed that number up to 41%. More concerning is the 56% of people in the 2020 survey that reported feeling isolated from others – a number up from 27% in 2018. Also 46% of participants in 2020 said they had infrequent social contact (once a week or less), which was up from 28% who reported similar feelings in 2018.

People who have interacted with others in their neighborhood as well as those who got out in nature reported less loneliness. Researchers say that “while personal interactions and social activities may look different during the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., physically distanced, outdoors, or online), providing safe opportunities for regular and meaningful interaction with others and with nature is important to reduce loneliness and maintain social connections.”

At the MorningStar senior living community, our remarkable residents and team members all work together to build our MorningStar family; and throughout the pandemic, we have continued to support and care for one another. Please go to our website for more information about one of the best senior living facilities in Billings, MT for independent living, assisted living and memory care.

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents. Please visit our website to learn more about one of the area’s top senior living facilities.

Source:

healthyagingpoll.org/report/loneliness-among-older-adults-and-during-covid-19-pandemic