TheStreet: Prof. Keefe on Helping Isolated Older Adults

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Professor and CADER director Bronwyn Keefe shares her expertise on caring for older adults, training the eldercare workforce, and recognizing signs of loneliness and social isolation in older family and friends.

Excerpted from TheStreet: “How to Help Older, Isolated Adults” by Jeanette Pavini:

The pandemic has affected people physically, emotionally and financially. Our older population has also been affected by feelings of isolation. My mother is 91 and up until this year was enjoying a twice-a-week community social group. It really was the best medicine to her mental wellbeing. With most of our older population not engaging in social activities and social distancing visits from family members, there comes some new concerns.

I connected with Bronwyn Keefe at the Boston University School of Social Work to discover ways we can help the older people in our lives. Bronwyn is a research assistant professor and director of the School’s Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research.

Jeanette Pavini: How has the pandemic affected older people? How do you see it will continue to affect them? What are the best ways to address each of these?

Bronwyn Keefe: In recent years, there has been greater awareness of how social determinants affect our health. Studies have documented the beneficial effect of social support on various health outcomes. Researchers are learning more about those who are lacking support and experiencing social isolation:

  • A recent study found that 1 in 3 adults say they lack regular companionship, and 1 in 4 say they feel isolated from other people at least some of the time.
  • Individuals who report high levels of perceived social isolation have a greater risk of hospitalization and emergency room visits.
  • Individuals who are more socially connected have a 50% reduced risk of early death relative to those who are less socially connected.
  • Research shows that prolonged social isolation can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, depression and anxiety, and other negative health outcomes.

For many, the Covid-19 crisis has upended lives and social connections. Physical and social distancing have left many people, including older adults, feeling isolated and lonely with their normal routines disrupted as senior centers, places of worship and local businesses are no longer available. And while physical distancing is important to maintaining health during the crisis, as time at home has lengthened, loneliness has set in for many older adults.

These are risk factors for isolation and will likely continue beyond our current pandemic:

  • Lack of transportation
  • Poor health and well-being
  • Life transitions
  • Societal barriers
  • Lack of access and inequality

When you recognize symptoms of social isolation and loneliness, you can recommend physical and social activity. When it’s safe, suggestion getting out of the house, going for a walk, taking an exercise class or participating in programs at the local community center can promote fitness, socialization, and overall wellbeing. An important suggestion would be talk to the social worker who will be able to connect you with local resources such as the Council on Aging or the Area Agency on Aging. Faith communities can also provide support and build important connections.

Here are some questions you can ask:

  • Do you have relatives or friends you see or hear from at least once a month?
  • Do you have relatives or friends you can ask for help?
  • Do you have relatives or friends you can talk to about private matters?
  • Are there people you can rely on when you have problems?
  • Are there many people you can trust completely?

It’s more important than ever to stay in touch with older adults. Technology has been a key tool in keeping people connected through video call platforms such as Skype, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts. Although, we know there is a great digital divide and many older adults may not have access to technology, it’s important to make connections without technology by picking up the phone and calling on a regular basis or write a note or sending a card. […]

To read the full interview, go to: “How to Help Older, Isolated Adults“

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