— Photo by Todd Warnock/Getty Images
Reconnecting Those in
Isolation
There are many reasons why someone age 50 and older becomes isolated from family and community. It could be an injury or illness; the loss of reliable transportation; a spouse or partner who has Alzheimer’s or another illness that requires constant care; or a job loss that makes the person feel like he or she doesn’t matter. And as a crisis gets worse, it’s easy to become homebound, disconnected, overwhelmed, stranded — or in one word, isolated.
At AARP Foundation, we understand that combating and preventing isolation in people 50 and over isn’t about fixing one thing. We have to look at all the connections that make up a person’s life, and come up with ways to make sure connections stay strong, even in times of stress and crisis. That’s why AARP Foundation is taking the lead in working with some of the best researchers across the country. Because the more we understand about isolation, the better we can address the problem in innovative and more effective ways.
Winning Back
Opportunity
Four Non-Profits Receive 2012 Isolation Impact Area Grant Awards
In September, we awarded two-year grants to help nonprofit organizations create better services and systems that identify and reach out to isolated older people. Learn about the grantees. Read
In the
Spotlight
New Study Points to the Dangers of Isolation
In her latest post, AARP Health blogger Candy Sagon details the findings of a recent study that indicates being alone may actually be hazardous to your health even if you don't feel lonely. Read
Isolation Hinders Recovery From Surgery, Says Dr. Oz
Medical expert Dr. Mehmet Oz said he now insists that all the patients he operates on bring someone who loves them with them to the hospital. Your heart needs a reason to keep beating, he said, and isolation can weaken your immune system. Read
Recent
Research
How Do We Understand Isolation?
AARP Foundation commissioned ResearchWorks to conduct an in-depth examination of isolation research to serve as a starting point for a discussion about how we understand, define, measure and solve isolation. Download Highlights (PDF) | Full Report (PDF)
Featured
Programs & Services
Housing Solutions Center
This program offers free HUD-certified counseling and assistance to 50-plus homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure. Go
AARP Benefits QuickLink
See if you qualify for public assistance and you can save money on health care, medication, food, utilities, and more! Go
Isolation Grants Program
View a list of the current grantees, along with summaries of their programs. Read
Isolation in the
News
Staying Connected Guards Against Isolation for Those Choosing to Age in Place
(Sacramento Bee, Mar. 20) - The Sacramento Bee reports, "According to AARP, several studies suggest that isolation is a major health risk," and notes that experts advise advance planning to ensure that "you or your loved one will have important connections and support sysytems in place as the aging process continues." Read
Documentary Details Challenges Facing LGBT Seniors Seeking Care
(Ventura County Star, Calif., Jan. 15) - "Gen Silent" follows the stories of six LGBT seniors needing care but afraid, for various reasons, to ask for help. The documentary mentions how AARP and other organizations are offering help, such as providing information on LGBT-friendly care and other resources. Read
Old, Frail and in Harm's Way
(N.Y. Times, Nov. 5) - In a major disaster like Hurricane Sandy, the frail elderly often need more than the help of family and friends. Read
