A Practical Approach to Assessing and Mitigating Loneliness and Isolation in Older Adults

• DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15746
• Publication Date: 2019-02-14T11:07:47Z
• Authors: Carla Perissinotto; Julianne Holt‐Lun...; Vyjeyanthi S. Per...; Ken Covinsky
• Keywords: Social Isolation; Isolation

Loneliness and social isolation are strongly associated with several adverse health outcomes in older persons including death functional impairments. The strength of these associations has been compared smoking. Accordingly, loneliness have significant public implications. Despite the impacts on quality life, their strong association outcomes, evaluation not integrated into medical care. risks for may be particular concern to serious illness as patients caregivers cope experience loss, loss independence, increasing care needs. To date, there no uniform way evaluating documenting a part review patient's determinants health. This article provides framework healthcare systems, providers, community members working adults (1) understand loneliness, isolation, its counterpart connection; (2) describe different ways affects health; (3) create asking about experiences. Finally, because lack studies assessing whether targeting can improve is major gap, we provide guidance future interventions. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:657–662, 2019.