What to Know About Elder Isolation

By: Vivian Yim

Senior isolation can be defined the same as social isolation: the absence of relationships with family, friends, neighbors, or even society at large. The University of Michigan Health Lab states that 1 in 3 older adults experience isolation. This overwhelming number of 33% is a leading cause of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline in the elder population.

It is proven that seniors can actively boost their mental health through socializing. The American Public Health Association has found that organizations providing social activities and interaction (like the Amity Program!) help senior citizens by:

• Aiding with cognition and memory recall

• Raising spirits and improving mood

• Promoting healthy behaviors (including dancing, laughing, playing games, exercising, etc)

At The Amity Program, students regularly attend senior homes in their local communities to laugh, dance, play, create, compete, and bond with older adults. From the University of Michigan Health Lab's research, we can hypothesize that around a third of these adults experience isolation. The Amity Program's dedicated and consistemt programming between students and seniors provides direct solvency for the great social issue of elder isolation.