Loneliness

The COVID-19 pandemic, with it’s shut-downs, stay-at-home orders, and event stoppages, had a very negative impact on some of America’s demographics, the biggest being loneliness.

28% of U.S. seniors (14.7) live alone. Loneliness and isolation increase the risk of dementia by 50%, stroke by 32%, heart disease by 26%, and premature death by 26%. The health effects of loneliness and isolation have the same impact as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to health professionals.

A survey of 1,000 people discovered that many Americans felt lonelier after the pandemic than before it. The survey also revealed that seniors between ages 66-75, were the group that most often felt lonelier after the pandemic than before it.

Surveys and studies have shown specific age groups and the most common reason for the loneliness in their demographic.

• Ages 46-55​​ DIVORCE

• Ages 18-55 & 76-85​ THE GOVERNMENT

• Ages 56-65​ ​DEATH (family and/or friends)

• Ages 66-75​​ LIMITED SHOPPING

The U.S. Center for Disease Control states that before the pandemic 26% of seniors 65+, experienced isolation and loneliness. In another study following the pandemic , out of those seniors 60+,  43% were lonely.

A 2020 study, by the University of Michigan, found that 56% of adults, ages 50-80, felt isolated during the pandemic. 60% of men, 65+ and 71% of women, 65+, state that they are lonelier now then before the pandemic.

All the studies combined have revealed the common cause for isolation in seniors;

• Separation from friends and family

• Changes in mobility

• Lack of transportation

• Loss of loved ones

• Lack of activities

• Neighborhood conditions (crime, gangs, walking convenience, no public transportation)

• Changes (communication & technology)

SOURCE OF STATISTICS: consumeraffairs.com/health/elderly-loneliness-statistics