Social Isolation and Loneliness Public Health Announcement

Understanding Social Isolation and Loneliness

AND HOW TO TREAT IT

By Anna O'Connell

Social isolation is a lack of social connection and support from others. Loneliness is feeling disconnected from others.

“Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 26 Mar. 2024. Web. https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/risk-factors/index.html. 21 Oct. 2024.

Definitions of social isolation and loneliness vary by culture. The previous definition is the common western definition. However, in Seoul, loneliness is lacking worth and purpose in life.

Yeung, Jessie. “A loneliness epidemic is spreading worldwide. Seoul is spending $327 million to stop it.” CNN. 24 Oct. 2024. Web. https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/24/asia/south-korea-loneliness-deaths-intl-hnk/index.html?scrlybrkr=04b95f82. 4 Nov. 2024.

Social isolation and loneliness are very common and nothing to be ashamed about. Around 1 in 3 adults in the United States report feelings of loneliness and 1 in 4 US adults claim that they lack social and emotional support.

“Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 26 Mar. 2024. Web. https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/risk-factors/index.html. 21 Oct. 2024.

Libby is one of these many people that have experienced social isolation and loneliness. She shares how it began in the pandemic, and how she now uses her experience to help other people who are experiencing the same thing she did.

“Libby’s story: overcoming my feelings of loneliness and finding my strength.” Mental Health Foundation. Web. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/stories/libbys-story-overcoming-my-feelings-loneliness-and-finding-my-strength?scrlybrkr=04b95f82. 4 Nov. 2024.

Even though a lot of people in the US experience loneliness, a study done of fifteen countries showed we are actually tied for the third lowest rate with Sweden with 30% of older adults reporting loneliness. And, the United States seems to be in the middle of the pack of people experiencing social isolation, with 89.9% of people saying they have someone they can depend on.

Even though a lot of people in the US experience loneliness, a study done of fifteen countries showed we are actually tied for the third lowest rate with Sweden with 30% of older adults reporting loneliness. And, the United States seems to be in the middle of the pack of people experiencing social isolation, with 89.9% of people saying they have someone they can depend on.

Esteban Ortiz-Ospina (2019) - “Are people more likely to be lonely in so-called 'individualistic' societies?” Published online at OurWorldinData.org. Retrieved from: ‘https://ourworldindata.org/lonely-not-alone’ [Online Resource].

Social isolation and loneliness can increase your risk of developing serious health conditions, including heart disease and stroke. That’s why it’s important to treat it.

“Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 26 Mar. 2024. Web. https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/risk-factors/index.html. 21 Oct. 2024.

One easy way to treat social isolation and loneliness is by scheduling time to talk with loved ones or staying connected with others by doing activities together, which can include volunteering. This lessens your feelings of loneliness and strengthens your connections with others.

“Loneliness and Social Isolation – Tips for Staying Connected.” National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/loneliness-and-social-isolation/loneliness-and-social-isolation-tips-staying-connected#how-can-you-stay-connected-with-friends-and-family. 18 Nov. 2024.

The AARP Community Connections group helps end social isolation and loneliness. People can join this group to volunteer to help others or apply for help. This group will help you with simple tasks, emotional support, and it will even help you pay your bills.

Gooden, Ronda. “AARP Community Connections helps fight social isolation.” AARP. 17 Jun. 2020. Web. https://states.aarp.org/mississippi/aarp-community-connections-helps-fight-social-isolation. 18 Nov. 2024.

The AARP Community Connections group also allows you to call a counselor to deal with social isolation and feelings of loneliness. It also allows you to make an account on an application called Savo, which allows you to communicate with loved ones with ease. This group also has an online group called “The Mighty” that you can join, where its members support each other as they face medical or emotional difficulties.

Gooden, Ronda. “AARP Community Connections helps fight social isolation.” AARP. 17 Jun. 2020. Web. https://states.aarp.org/mississippi/aarp-community-connections-helps-fight-social-isolation. 18 Nov. 2024.

Overall, social isolation and loneliness are very common and serious issues. They mean different things to different cultures but can be treated quite easily. By understanding and addressing these issues, we can improve the well-being and quality of life for many individuals.

Social isolation and loneliness don’t always go hand in hand. People can be socially isolated and not feel alone, while others can be surrounded by friends and family and still feel not connected enough.