053 – Interview: Addressing Loneliness in Aging

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks with Carla Perissinotto, MD, Associate Chief for Geriatrics Clinical Programs at UCSF and a nationally known expert on loneliness in aging. Her landmark 2012 study found that loneliness is common among older adults, and is associated with greater declines while aging. They discuss:

• What surprised her about her study findings
• The difference between being alone, being lonely, and being socially isolated
• How social contact and loneliness can impact health while aging
• When to worry about someone who lives alone
• Whether trying to age in place might increase the risk of social isolation
• Different services and options that can help maintain social connections even when it’s hard to leave home
• What to do if you’re worried about an older relative who might be lonely
• How older adults might plan ahead to reduce their risk of loneliness and social isolation
• How loneliness can put aging adults at risk for financial exploitation
• Promising approaches to reducing loneliness in aging

Related Resources:

• Scholarly papers:
  • Loneliness in Older Persons: A predictor of functional decline and death
  • Living Alone, Socially Isolated or Lonely—What are We Measuring?
• Related new stories:
  • Easing Old People’s Loneliness Can Help Keep Them Healthy (NPR)
  • Researchers Confront an Epidemic of Loneliness (NY Times)
• Services & Innovations:
  • Institute on Aging Friendship Line
  • Covia.org Well Connected (formerly Senior Center Without Walls)
  • Find your local Department of Aging and Adult Services: Eldercare.gov
  • AARP Connect2Affect
  • Prepare for Your Care
  • Age UK