Written by Dr. Katie Ehlman, Director of Gerontology
Director, Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness
Hello bOLDer Bulletin Readers:
A few months ago, the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, declared “loneliness” a public health epidemic. In his 2023 advisory, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” Dr. Vivek shares that loneliness can have a profound effect on mental and physical health. He writes, “Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity.”
Covid-19 added a new awareness to the constructs of loneliness and isolation, but data reveal concerns have been building for decades. Between the years 2003 and 2020, social engagement with friends decreased from an average of 60 minutes per day to 20 minutes per day. According to the Surgeon General, changes in key indicators, including individual social participation, demographics, community involvement and use of technology suggest that a large portion of Americans are in dire need of social connection.
Dr. Vivek’s report encourages citizens to advance social connection through initiatives such as strengthening social infrastructure in communities, enacting pro-connection public policy and building a culture of connection. To combat loneliness and isolation–either in your life or for someone you love, explore meaningful connections, and be willing to step out of your comfort zone to establish or re-establish connection.
USI’s Bronstein Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness is partnering with St. Louis University to explore programming to advance social connectedness and reduce loneliness. Watch for more details about this work in future newsletters. Thank you for keeping up with the Bronstein Center in our current issue!
