Impact of Loneliness on Health and Wellbeing for the Senior Population

Course Description:

Loneliness is a precursor to all major illnesses, it can also be a side effect of chronic illness or life transition and can have a direct impact on physical and mental health.  Some experts consider loneliness an epidemic, forced social distancing has caused many older people to be isolated which can also exacerbate and impact feelings of loneliness.  It is important to note that loneliness is an normanl feeling that is a part of the human experience, however, chronic loneliness is considered a leading indicator of morbidity and mortality.  Additionally, loneliness can indicate depressive or sadness that may be situational but can become chronic if left untreated.  Loneliness is also linked to dementia and memory loss.

Japan, U.K, and Denmark are some countries that feel that loneliness is a public health crisis. The U.S. has begun to recognize the deep impact of loneliness on health and wellbeing. While many community and public health professionals understand the impact of loneliness on their patient’s behaviors, mainstream providers are starting to understand the significant role that loneliness can have. Understanding loneliness and its impact is crucial, as is having insight into community services and available social networks.