opinion: how health-care practitioners can bridge the loneliness gap

loneliness is more than just a fleeting emotion. it can be described as the feeling we get that our social relationships are lacking compared with what we want them to be. the profound impact of isolation and loneliness on the physical, mental, and emotional health of older adults cannot be overstated. numerous studies have linked loneliness to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, and even premature death. the increased risk of death from social isolation and loneliness is similar to smoking 15 cigarettes a day or having an alcohol use disorder, according to research.

at least as importantly, isolation and loneliness are known to erode an individual’s sense of purpose, diminish self-esteem, and can reduce the ability to engag e in healthy lifestyle behavio u rs.

david conn is co-chair of the canadian coalition for seniors’ mental health and the vice president of education at the baycrest academy for research & education. supplied

a recent commentary in the new england journal of medicine by julianne holt-lunstad and carla perissinotto noted that while social isolation and loneliness are rarely listed on death certificates, both of these factors may have contributed to the excess deaths from all causes observed during the pandemic. they researchers suggest that clinic i ans require adequate training, resources, and support to integrate screening, interventions, and referrals into their existing responsibilities. they also note that patients ’ lives may be hang ing in the balance.

rate of loneliness is alarming

countries around the world are raising alarm about loneliness in various ways. based on reports of increasing numbers of lonely citizens, the british government appointed a federal minister of loneliness in 2018. this appointment built upon a 2011 national campaign to end loneliness. in 2022 , loneliness minister baroness barran  commented on the pandemic’s exacerbating effect on loneliness, noting that the uk remained at ‘a critical stage’ of tackling loneliness. and in early may 2023, the surgeon general of the united states released a report entitled , our epidemic of loneliness and isolation , calling for a national strategy to advance social connection. one of the six pillars of this strategy is to mobilize the health sector.

in response to these serious concerns , the canadian coalition for seniors’ mental health is currently completing clinical practice guidelines to encourage and support best practices related to social isolation and loneliness among older adults. these guidelines can be used by health and social service providers to support their patients and clients by helping providers recognize, assess, and treat isolation and loneliness among older adults.

claire checkland is the executive director of the canadian coalition for seniors’ mental health. supplied

while s ocial isolation and feelings of loneliness are common across all age groups , older adults are particularly at risk due to t he life circumstances and transitions often associated with aging, like retire ment , living alone, being bereaved or living with physical limitations. in fact, n early one in five canadians 65 years and older say they lack companionship.  but loneliness is not an intrinsic aspect of growing older.

targeted interventions should be put in place to promote social connections

addressing the health impacts of social isolation and loneliness among older adults requires a comprehensive approach that involves the older adults themselves, health – care providers, community organizations, and policymakers. by recognizing and addressing the prevalence and impact of isolation and loneliness, targeted interventions can be put in place to address underlying physical or mental health conditions, promote social connections, and improve overall well-being .

communication between older adults and their health – care providers is vital in addressing loneliness. by discussing this issue, older adults can take the first steps towards finding solutions and clinic i ans can provide guidance, support, and access to resources to combat loneliness and improve the overall well-being of their patients.

health – care providers have a key role to play in the improvement of quality of life and the prevention of illness in later life. addressing these issues can be complex and time-consuming but are well worth the effort. if given the time and resources to embrace their role in preventative health care, health – care practitioners can support older adults to make behavioural and lifestyle changes that could reduce or prevent isolation and feelings of loneliness . this, in turn, would reduc e the likelihood of a number of illnesses in the future. through early intervention, screenings, thorough assessments and collaboration they can empower older adults to work towards a healthier today and tomorrow.  

claire checkland is the e xecutive director of the canadian coalition for seniors’ mental health. david conn is c o-chair of the canadian coalition for seniors’ mental health and the vice president of education at the baycrest academy for research & education.