Social Isolation and Negative Health Outcomes

How can loneliness impact the health of elders in care homes?

of adults 60 and older report feeling lonely or isolated

Among adults that are 65+, about one quarter of those who live within communities are considered socially isolated; about 10% are considered severely lonely. However, within long-term care homes, the prevalence of severe loneliness is at least double to quadruple that of seniors living within communities.

For context, there are at least 39.6 million people over 65 in the U.S. alone, with that number expected to double by 2050.

Lonely elders are at increased risk for severe disease and death.

32%

increase in risk of stroke

29%

increase in risk of heart disease

50%

increase in risk of dementia

45%

increase in risk of premature death

...and higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.

WE info page mental and physical health.png

Mental health and physical health are undeniably linked.

Research links chronic depression in elderly adults (aged 65 and older) to a variety of physical health issues. These include higher chances of developing a physical disability, being diagnosed with cancer, or having a major bleeding event.

Since social isolation is a major risk factor for depression, elderly loneliness is a huge issue.

What can we do to help?

By bringing fun, interactive conversations to elderly centers around UCLA, we can help ease the burden on both the elders that live there and their caretakers. Together, we can raise awareness on this crippling issue and help improve the quality of life for elders.