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- Four Tips for Combatting Loneliness in Older Adults
January 17, 2020
While many older adults live alone and are socially isolated, according to an article in the Archives of Internal Medicine, loneliness is distinct from these measures and can exist within the context of marriage or in a community setting. This is why it is important to evaluate it separately from social connections and interactions.
For February’s Optimum Life Continuing Education Series, I sit down with Charles Richardson, senior director of resident programs at Brookdale, to discuss this topic. Engagement: Combatting Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults is offered to nurses, nursing home administrators, case managers and social workers for continuing education credit.
This webinar highlights the importance of identifying loneliness, explores the role of ageism in developing feelings of isolation, and discusses how relationships and a sense of purpose can ease those negative feelings.
“I believe that the impact of ageism, specifically our society’s tendency to treat older adults like children, contributes to feelings of loneliness,” said Richardson. “Tackling this issue and helping aging adults see and really understand their value will help combat loneliness.”
If you think a family member, friend, patient or resident is having feelings of loneliness, Richardson and I offer four tips for easing those feelings.
“Simple acts can lead to monumental improvements,” said Richardson.
In addition to these tips, the Engagement: Combatting Loneliness in Older Adults webinar will:
To learn more and to register for Engagement: Combatting Loneliness in Older Adults for professional credit, visit Brookdale’s Optimum Life Continuing Education page.