Social isolation among older adults is a serious issue, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-third of adults ages 45 and older feel lonely. This group is at an increased risk of social isolation due in part to having less nearby, immediate family or a chronic illness. Many organizations have created resources to help combat this social isolation and support beneficiaries and caregivers, as well as staff members and volunteers.
Assessment
- AARP: Connect 2Tools To Overcome Social Isolation
- Take this electronic assessment to see if you believe you are at risk of social isolation and also to find ways to become more connected.
Website and Webpages
- AARP: Community Connections
- This website can help you connect with people in your community by hearing from a friendly voice, joining a group, or starting a group.
- Advocacy & Services for LGBT Elders (SAGE): Social Isolation
- Several resources targeting social connectedness for LGBT older adults.
- Administration for Community Living (ACL): Commit to Connect
- Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness: How to Stay Connected While Intentionally Isolated
- A compilation of resources on the physical, behavioral, and mental health effects of physical distancing and how to stay connected with others while intentionally isolating oneself.
- Mental Health America (MHA): Social Support: Getting And Staying Connected
- National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a): Resources on COVID-19
- National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a): Blog Post Templates to engAGE Older Adults and Caregivers During COVID-19
- National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a): COVID-19 Resources for Older Adults: Create Connections Without Technology
- National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a): New Flyer Highlights Ways Older Adults Can Stay Connected to the Community During COVID-19
- National Institute on Aging (NIA): Loneliness and Social Isolation – Tips for Staying Connected (English) (Spanish)
- SAGE: SAGEConnect
- Through SAGEConnect you will receive casual, weekly phone or video calls from a SAGEConnect volunteer. SAGE has teamed up with Mon Ami to create a simple, one-step call line that allows you to connect with your SAGEConnection without ever giving away your personal information.
Articles
- AARP: How to Fight the Social Isolation of Coronavirus
- AARP: Is Extended Isolation Killing Older Adults in Long-Term Care?
- AARP: Teens Reach Out to Isolated Older Americans Through Online Programs
- AARP: Navigate Pandemic Social Life Without Fracturing Friendships
- engAGED National Resource Center: Being Isolated Can Put Older Adults at Risk for Medicare Fraud
- National Council on Aging (NCOA): Staying Connected While Staying Home
Newsletters
- National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a): engAGING Practices: Best Practices for Helping Older Adults Stay Socially Engaged
Handouts
- Eldercare Locator and National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a): Staying Connected at Home During COVID-19 (English) (Spanish)
- Eldercare Locator and Alliance for Aging Research: Staying Safe at Home During the Coronavirus Crisis (English) (Spanish)
- National Institute on Aging (NIA): Understanding Loneliness and Social Isolation: How to Stay Connected (PDF) (Paper Copy)
- National Institute on Aging (NIA): Feeling Lonely or Socially Isolated?
Videos
- National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a): Enhancing the Social Engagement of Older Adults During COVID-19
Infographic
- National Council on Aging (NCOA): Socially Isolated Seniors
- National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM): Social Isolation and Loneliness
Social Engagement
- Administration for Community Living (ACL): Eldercare Locator
- Link those who need assistance with state and local agencies on aging, as well as community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers.
- Engaged National Resource Center: Tapping into Technology to Stay Connected and Engaged
- A consumer-friendly booklet that provides older adults with information on available technology options, how to access technology, and how technology can help them stay engaged and connected to their communities.
- Federal Trade Commission: Emergency Broadband Benefit
- The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Emergency Broadband Benefit.
- Juanita C. Grant Foundation: Village Connector Experience
- Engaging older adults impacted by covid-19 social isolation by having trained ambassadors’ calls including other featured social distancing activities.
- National Council on Aging (NCOA): Tools for Reaching a Remote Audience
- This website provides an overview of some popular tools to reach out to and connect with people.
- Senior Planet (OATS): Senior Planet
- Senior Planet, powered by OATS (Older Adults Technology Services), harnesses technology to change the way we age. Their courses, programs, and activities help seniors learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends.
- University of Southern California School of Social Work: Crisis Care for Adults With Cognitive Impairment
- This resource provides strategies for families and health care professionals to help adults with cognitive impairment cope with the pandemic.
Resources for State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs), Senior Medicare Patrol (SMPs), and Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA)
