'Resilience factors,' such as engaging in more activities, expanding one's social network, and increasing the use of technology, can lower the risk of loneliness among the elderly, new research finds.
, said lead author Julianna Liu, Medical Student Training in Aging Research Scholar, Aging Brain Center, Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife. The research is published inThese actions can be accomplished through strategies such as involvement at senior centers, participating in volunteer activities, and increasing access to and knowledge of modern technological devices that allow for virtual social connection, Liu said.
At the same time researchers found that several risk factors increased one's likelihood of experiencing loneliness:, inability to complete daily activities, vision impairment, depression, and anxiety. Loneliness, a feeling of distress or discomfort in response to perceived isolation, is common among older adults, particularly during periods of social isolation. It can be associated with poor health outcomes, and is therefore an important topic to talk about and prevent if possible.
Researchers used data collected both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic from participants of the Successful Aging after Elective Surgery study during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. Participants in the SAGES study have been completing interviews with Hebrew SeniorLife for approximately 10 years; therefore, Hebrew SeniorLife already had a robust dataset with many variables assessing cognition and functioning that were utilized for this COVID-related study.
"Importantly, it also identified actionable 'resilience factors' that helped mitigate some negative effects of loneliness on physical and mental health outcomes," said Dr. Tamara G. Fong, co-senior author and mentor.Julianna Liu et al, Association of Loneliness With Change in Physical and Emotional Health of Older Adults During the COVID-19 Shutdown,
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Heart courage, resilience: Meet Lincolnshire's Invictus Games stars 🏅From challenges to championships 🏅: Lincolnshire shines at Invictus Games!
Read more »
Scenes of Destruction and Resilience in Maui After the FireThe only images of the flames were captured by citizen journalists. What awaited news photographers—including David Butow, on assignment for TIME—was the human effort to navigate the brutal topography of climate change.
Read more »
How philanthropy is making a difference in the countyLocavore Growing Project and The Folkestone Youth Project have received grants from one of the over ninety philanthropic funds that Kent Community Foundation administer InYourArea_UK KentCommunity UKCF_tweets folkestoneshed Kent
Read more »
New Downpatrick masterplan approved by council committeeA vision for the town had been developed as part of a £30,000 masterplan created at the old Down District Council over 10 years
Read more »