Combating a double pandemic of loneliness
ong before the pandemic arrived in Maui County, professionals working with older adults sought creative strategies to address the silent pandemic of loneliness and social isolation. Risk factors for loneliness and social isolation include living alone, losing loved ones and social connections, and experiencing chronic illness and hearing loss. Studies in the last year have consistently shown that older adults are experiencing loneliness at higher levels than pre-COVID-19. Thus many are combating a double pandemic.
Researchers have linked loneliness and social isolation with a higher risk of cognitive, physical and mental decline. But those who maintain meaningful relationships and activities tend to experience a higher quality and quantity of life.
What can you do to address the loneliness pandemic while following COVID-safe practices? Many in-depth resources are available, two of which include a podcast from Mayo Clinic at go.hawaii.edu/Jzv and an outreach toolkit from the National Institutes on Health at go.hawaii.edu/pzJ. And, consider using the following three steps to get started:
¯ Know the risks. In addition to the risk factors noted above, someone can also be at higher risk of experiencing loneliness if they are facing mobility limitations, making it difficult to leave home; living with chronic illness; experiencing financial challenges; being a caregiver; having limited social support; experiencing any type of discrimination; and living in a rural or isolated location. More information about risk factors is at go.hawaii.edu/ezJ.
¯ Identify and reach out. Think about the older adults in your life. Do any have risk factors? Reach out by phone or in person, always following COVID-safe guidelines. With regular contact, it is easier to identify changes that require action. At the end of this article is a list of a few organizations that currently address loneliness in older adults and their caregivers.
¯ Take action. The National Institute on Aging suggests strategies to address loneliness: get active, volunteer, stay connected or adopt a pet.
Exercising can reduce stress, improve mood and increase energy. It can be done safely with others outside and while practicing social distancing and wearing a mask.
Volunteering often requires social engagement and contributes to meaning and a sense of purpose. Explore local volunteering opportunities for all ages at www.handsonmaui.com.
Staying connected with friends, family and neighbors supports social connectedness. Call someone today!
Adopting a pet can provide comfort and may reduce stress and blood pressure. Before pet adoption, ensure that the pet can be cared for properly, is allowed on the property and will not create falling hazards.
In Maui County, the government, businesses and nonprofits have found creative strategies to safely address older adults’ loneliness and social
Lisolation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The following are just a few examples:
¯ Maui County Office on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Center provides information, assistance, referrals and resources that support independent living for adults 60 years and older, their caregivers, grandparents raising grandchildren and individuals of all ages with disabilities. MCOA adheres to all COVID19 guidelines, and masks and social distancing practices are required for all in-person meetings. Contact the office by phone at (808) 270-7774 or visit www.mauicountyadrc.org.
¯ Furry Friends is a new and innovative project of MCOA/ADRC, made possible through CARES Act funding. The project is designed to ease loneliness, depression, anxiety and social isolation that may have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research has demonstrated the positive mental and physical health benefits of household pets. For those who cannot own a pet, engineers have created realistic robotic companion animals that respond to touch, movement and sound. The purpose of these animals is to help older adults and caregivers feel less lonely and isolated. To learn more about the Furry Friends program, contact MCOA at (808) 270-7774 or www.mauicountyadrc.org.
¯ Kaunoa Senior Services pivoted last year to providing virtual opportunities for learning, social engagement and volunteering for county residents “55 and better.” The Leisure Program has a weekly email newsletter listing virtual offerings. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program offers volunteering opportunities that make our community a great place to live. Contact the Leisure Program office at (808) 270-7308 and the RSVP office at (808) 2707986 for additional information.
¯ Maui Adult Day Care Center. MADCC offers services that address client and caregiver loneliness and social isolation in a confidential familybased setting. All MADCC centers are open and operate in alignment with COVID-safe guidelines. Caregiver support groups and quarterly workshops have been moved outdoors to facilitate in-person engagement. To learn more about MADCC offerings, visit madcc.org or call (808) 8715804.
As we maintain our vigilance with mask-wearing, handwashing and social distancing, let us commit to diligently watch for and respond to the silent pandemic of loneliness. What step will you take this week to spread awareness of social isolation and loneliness?
Heather GreenwoodJunkermeier is with the University of Hawaii at Manoa Cooperative Extension, Maui Aging and Intergenerational Programs. Today's column was written jointly with Auli?i Dean, a student at BYUHawaii in the social work program. Aging Matters covers topics of interest to the aging Maui community and appears on the third Saturday of each month.