Why Are Americans So Lonely?

The Real Cost OF THE LONELINESS EPIDEMIC CHRONIC LONELINESS can shorten lifespan by as much as 20 years* '26% on average - more than obesity or alcoholism Americans Are Increasingly Lonely In 2019, Most say 6. "no one around me... 61% felt lonely .shares my interests' ..knows me well" some or all of the time .respects my abilities" Up from 54% in 2018 Everyone feels lonely at times, but younger generations feel it more 61% 58% 34% In the U.S., 18% of suicide deaths are seniors the highest suicide rate of any age group 2019 Loneliness Score By Generation* 39.9 49.9 47.7 47 43.2 Gen Z Millennials Gen X Boomers Silents According to the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Scores above 43 are considered "lonely") Why So Lonely? 77% they lack a social support system of Americans say Everyone needs someone to turn to for Dependable help Trustworthy advice Shared activities Lack of these social supports heightens risk for extreme loneliness Those with chronic mental & physical health conditions are at greater risk for extreme loneliness that could further compromise their health Loneliness & Health Se hp Poor health and loneliness go hand-in-hand Those who are lonely are likely to have... Diagnosed depression Psychological distress Overall poor health +374% +374% +278% Which Comes First? Chronic conditions increase risk of loneliness Loneliness can increase risk of health issues Substance abuse Chronic physical illness Heart disease Substance abuse Diabetes Dementia or Alzheimer's How Does Loneliness Affect Immunity? Loneliness leads to Measurable effect on white blood cells, causing Increased norepinephrine which interferes with "Fight or flight" response Production of white blood cells Increased inflammation Decreased antiviral activity For seniors, extreme loneliness can INCREASE RISK OF DEATH BY 14% ADULT DAY CARE: Socialization Is Essential What Is Adult Day Care? Serves patients with chronic conditions REQUIRING CARE AND MONITORING Provides health, nutrition, exercise, and social services in a group setting Allows adults in need of care to continue living at home for longer Reduces daily burden and provides education for informal caregivers 50% 46% 42% 34% 31% 25% 20% Physical disability Dementia Hypertension Cardiovascular Diabetes Mental Developmental disease illness disability The Benefits Of Day Care Social Benefits Cost Benefits Annually, day care costs Poor diet and lack of exercise have been linked to Social connections with other participants $56,540 less per person increased loneliness Empowering relationships with staff than a nursing home Adult Day Care provides these in a group setting for both physical and social benefits Engaging and enjoyable group activities 47% Health Benefits Fewer ER visits and hospital admissions of day care participants qualify for nursing home care Shorter hospitals stays when admitted 20% Delays cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients would move in within a few months of losing day care services Adult Day Care In The Age Of Coronavirus After a stroke, loneliness is linked to greater risk of depression and poor recovery But, weekly telehealth sessions for discussion and exercise significantly reduced loneliness for stroke survivors and caregivers Many 911 calls are for services that could be provided elsewhere using limited emergency resources need to fight the virus Seniors living alone and looking for someone to talk to Those in need of medical care but lacking transportation Adults with insufficient help or poorly managed conditions While in-person programs have closed to protect patients from COVID-19 – Many are continuing to offer remote services Daily check-in calls and medication reminders Caregiver assistance, education, and medical guidance Companionship calls and social teleconferencing Grocery shopping and food delivery assistance Sources: Adult Day Care is essential Help make our voice heard! ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5513556 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4636039 academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/57/3/552/2632072 academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/57/6/e85/3072901 creakyjoints.org/support/coping-with-loneliness-chronic-illness cigna.com/individuals-families/health-wellness/chronic-loneliness Oasis cigna.com/about-us/newsroom/studies-and-reports/combatting-loneliness DEVELOPED BY madsa.net/adult-day-health-programs-save-state-dollars-and-improve-health-care N NOWSOURCING npr.org/2019/07/27/745017374/isolated-and-struggling-many-seniors-are-turning-to-suicide psychologytoday.com/us/blog/understanding-grief/202001/why-do-the-elderly-commit-suicide medicalnewstoday.com/articles/303084#CTRA-gene-expression-fueled-by-disrupted-fight-or-flight-signaling Icius.com/publications/publications/caregiver-with-a-badge-the-abuse-of-911-emergency-services-to-fill-gaps-in-care brooklyn-usa.org/as-city-encourages-remote-op- tions-such-as-telecommuting-and-virtual-conferences-to-combat-spread-of-coronavirus-bp-adams-and-local-doctors-call-for-expansion-of-telemedicine-mobile-testing-centers