Social Isolation and Loneliness among Older Adults in the United States: Policy and Practice and Implications

Abstract

Social isolation and loneliness, so widespread as to be called new pandemics, have emerged not only as individual health and life-satisfaction issues but also as social problems. Older adults, in particular, their chronic conditions deepening and their social networks thinning, are more likely to become socially isolated or lonely. The US has implemented multifaceted initiatives to address social isolation and loneliness among seniors. At the community level, older adults are encouraged to participate in “Village” social activities. When it comes to housing, the senior cohousing program is there to help older adults keep themselves from loneliness and foster a sense of belonging. Additionally, senior-friendly technology platforms and robotic systems are applied to assist older adults to connect with society and keep themselves from social isolation. The health sector has introduced an early screening system for older adults and provides and connects them with various services designed to alleviate their loneliness. This article examines some of the efforts ongoing in the US to reduce social isolation and loneliness among seniors and explores the implications they might have for Korea.