Loneliness and social isolation can be a part of anyone’s life, regardless of age. But loneliness and social isolation can be especially troubling for older folks.
According to experts, loneliness can lead to physical and cognitive problems. Research indicates it can be as harmful to good health as smoking or alcohol abuse.
On this episode of the Camp Codger podcast, we are delighted to interview Carla Perissinotto, one of the nation’s foremost experts on loneliness and social isolation. Not only does Carla discuss what loneliness and isolation are, but she also shares some insightful advice about how to deal with them.
Providing the Best Treatment for Loneliness and Social Isolation
Carla Perissinotto is passionate about improving the training given to medical residents in elderly patient care. She is the Associate Chief for Geriatrics Clinical Programs at the University of California at San Francisco. She is passionate about improving the training of medical residents in elderly patient care.
The fact that loneliness and social isolation are even included in today’s medical training is evidence of just how widespread these conditions are. In the United States, 27 percent of seniors live alone. And you don’t have to live alone to feel lonely and isolated.
What Does Loneliness and Social Isolation Look Like?
Loneliness is commonly defined as that state of solitude or being alone. Loneliness impacts approximately 20 million older adults in the USA.
Social isolation is a state in which an individual lacks a sense of social belonging. He or she lacks engagement with others. He or she also has minimal social contacts and lacks quality relationships. This isn’t just an American problem. There are people who suffer from loneliness all over the world.
“There’s a reason there is a Minister of Loneliness in the United Kingdom,” says Carla Perissinotto. “There’s a reason Japan has a Minister of Loneliness. This is a worldwide issue.”
And what role does social media play in all of this? Listen to the interview with Carla Perissinotto to find out. Just click on the “Play Episode” triangle above.
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