Lecture on aging brings to light issues faced by the aging population
Posted: July 17, 2020
The 2020 Michael A. Creedon Memorial Lecture on Aging was hosted by A.T. Still University’s (ATSU) Interprofessional Education and Collaboration Program on the Missouri, campus, in cooperation with program partners at the ATSU Center for Resilience in Aging on the Arizona, campus. Established in 2005, each lecture is designed to bring to light issues of aging and the implications of a maturing society. The topic for the 16th annual lecture was no different, bringing to light an issue that the aging population is feeling profoundly at present time.
Marla Berg-Weger, PhD, LCSW, presented “Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Older Adults: How Can We Provide Support.” While the lecture’s topic was selected months in advance, many around the world are now experiencing a complete shift to social isolation due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Dr. Berg-Weger described loneliness as a global health epidemic more prevalent than ever among all age groups. Identifying individuals who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation is critical, as it impacts multiple areas of physical and psychological well-being.
Dr. Berg-Weger examined multiple assessment options for medical providers to establish their patient’s needs in order to determine appropriate intervention options. Some intervention options included co-living arrangements, befriending services (in person and with technology), and friendship or chat benches.
“In 2017, the Ministry of Loneliness was created in the (United Kingdom). Many activities have come out of that initiative, including the chat benches,” Dr. Berg-Weger said. “The benches were placed around various parts of the UK by the police department for Elder Abuse Awareness Day, just this past year. People just come, sit on the benches, and engage with other people.”
While the COVID-19 pandemic may render some of the interventions temporarily inadvisable, there are other ways older adults can offset loneliness while physically distancing.
“Maintaining a daily routine as much as possible. Focusing on healthy eating, exercising, and sleep,” Dr. Berg-Weger said. “They need to stay connected in whatever way possible. There are older adults who are not engaged in technology. This is a time maybe they can learn the basics; they don’t need to be tech savvy. Engage in activities that are meaningful and relaxing.”
Full lecture available here.