Surveyed seniors suggest ageism played part in pandemic mitigation strategies
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 18, 2021
A large survey from Ireland sheds light not only on the challenges posed for older adults by the pandemic, but on their hopes, determination — and one of their biggest pet peeves. (Hint: it’s a...
Study unveils ‘silent epidemic’ of loneliness among older women during pandemic
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 09, 2022
Data from the Women’s Health Initiative show that rates of loneliness in women aged 70 and older have increased during the pandemic, with 19% reporting severe troubles, investigators say.
More staff creativity called for: 64% of nursing home residents no longer leave their rooms to socialize,...
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 02, 2020
Nearly two-thirds of nursing home residents do not leave their rooms to socialize anymore since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, a new survey by healthcare research group Altarum has revealed.
Researchers recommend attacking loneliness to lower seniors’ costs, doctor visits
By
John Hall
Apr 02, 2015
More aggressive interventions with lonely elders may significantly decrease physician visits and healthcare costs, authors of a recent study conclude.
Researchers identify 12 low-cost methods to successfully decrease resident loneliness during pandemic
By
Danielle Brown
Feb 04, 2021
Animal therapy, exercise and increasing technology use are among the successful strategies nursing home providers can use in order to decrease the feelings of loneliness among residents during the public...
Thanksgiving comfort: Phone calls, emails work best to reduce residents’ loneliness, boost spirits
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 24, 2020
According to the Yale School of Public Health, regular phone calls or emails may provide the most solace for people living in long-term care facilities. This includes remote calls, and phone calls while...
Older adults’ mental health is resilient during pandemic, new study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 14, 2021
Older adults say that they are no worse off on some indicators of loneliness and overall mental health than they were five years ago, though general happiness has declined. Technology has been a coping...
Lonely seniors may have shorter life, fewer healthy years than their peers: analysis
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 08, 2021
At age 60, people who report being lonely can expect to live an average of three to five years less than their peers who say they are never lonely. Years of active daily life are shortened as well, investigators...
Loneliness in LTC: Overcoming disability, creating connections
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Apr 14, 2015
Reducing loneliness among facility residents has numerous benefits — for residents and staff. So why aren’t we doing better at it? Here’s what you need to know.