Researchers See an Increase in Lonely Adults Over Age 45  

Today, the AARP Foundation released a new survey that finds that 1 in 3 adults age 45 and older are lonely.  While AARP researchers found that the percentage is unchanged from a previous loneliness study conducted, the study finds that about five million more middle age and older adults are lonely due to growth in this age group among the population.

Looking back at survey findings over the years, researchers say that loneliness and isolation have emerged as key public health issues that can drastically impact a community’s quality of life and the U.S. economy if not properly addressed.

The AARP survey, “Loneliness and Social Connections: A National Survey of Adults Age 45 and Older,” released on September 25, used the UCLA loneliness scale, which includes 20 items designed to assess subjective feelings of loneliness, as the primary measure of loneliness.

“The increase in the number of lonely adults 45 and over is significant. Loneliness, especially as it relates to social isolation factors, has real consequences for people’s health,” said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, president of AARP Foundation, in a statement announcing the findings of AARP’s Loneliness Survey. “Studies show that isolation and loneliness are as bad for health as obesity or smoking. This survey’s results send a clear signal that we need to direct more attention and resources to this complex and growing public health issue,” says Ryerson.

Humans Need a Sense of Belonging

AARP researchers say that although social isolation and loneliness are related, they are distinct and can occur independent of one another. “Social isolation is objective, with measurable factors like the size of one’s social network, while loneliness is more personal and subjective — it’s how people perceive their experience and whether they feel they lack the connections, companionship or sense of belonging that humans need to thrive,” they say.

The AARP Foundation says that the intent of this survey is “to improve society’s understanding of loneliness and its relationship to the factors of social isolation.”

Among other survey findings, researchers identified several risk factors and predictors of loneliness. Specifically, populations at increased risk for chronic loneliness include people with low income (less than $25,000 per year), unpaid caregivers, and those who self-identify as LGBTQ, the say.

According to the AARP researchers, the survey found that increased social connections can reduce social isolation and loneliness. “In particular, it revealed a clear relationship between loneliness among midlife and older adults and their connections with their neighbors — which is a new area of focus in 2018. Thirty-three percent of midlife and older adults who have spoken to their neighbors are lonely, compared with 61 percent who have never spoken to a neighbor,” they say.

“Connecting with our neighbors is about more than goodwill; it’s also about good health,” said Ryerson, noting that just saying hello and having a conversation with a neighbor can make a big difference in those who are lonely or helping someone who is lonely or isolated feel more connected to others.

The study found that unpaid caregivers, low-income individuals, and those who self-identify as LGBTQ, are at increased risk for chronic loneliness. Those mid-age adults earning less than $25,000 per year, one in two are likely to be lonely.  In addition, caregivers are eight percentage points more likely to be lonely than non-caregivers.  And, the survey respondent who identified as LGBTQ are 14 percentage points more likely to be lonely than non-LGBTQ individuals (49 percent compared to 35 percent).

The researchers say that “the size of one’s social network and being physically isolated are the top predictors of loneliness, but depression, urbanicity, anxiety, overall health, and age are also contributing factors.”

Strategies of coping with loneliness vary depending on how frequently they feel lonely.  “Chronically lonely adults are more likely to turn to isolated activities to cope, such as watching television or surfing the internet, while those who are not chronically lonely are more likely to talk with a friend or go out with family when feelings of loneliness do occur,” the AARP survey found.

Finally, “fewer than 20 percent of people have discussed feelings of loneliness with their health care provider,” noted the study.

To read the AARP Foundation report, visit: www.aarp.org/connections2018.

Become Socially Connected

Hearthstone Estates Assisted Living, consisting of 39 apartments, is just the perfect size to become socially connected with your neighbors.  As its website notes, its, “the perfect size for a warm, friendly, and engaging community.”

Through social opportunities, our residents who are at a similar life stage, can take weekly shopping trips, attend special events and socials, watch movies, listen to music, take exercise classes and even participate in arts and crafts. Bonds are formed and residents make friends, becoming more fulfilled with their lives.