A Report on Social Isolation in Older Adults and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Social Isolation as a Barrier to Sustainable Development

Social isolation among elderly populations presents a significant challenge to achieving key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This phenomenon directly impacts SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Community-based programs designed to mitigate loneliness are crucial for progress, yet face considerable funding challenges that threaten their continuity and impact.

The Impact of Social Isolation on Health and Well-being (SDG 3)

Critical Health Risks

A 2020 study by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine establishes a direct link between social isolation and adverse health outcomes, undermining the core tenets of SDG 3. The risks for older adults are significantly increased for several conditions, including:

• Dementia
• Heart disease
• Depression
• Strokes
• Premature death

Geographical Disparities and Inequality (SDG 10)

The risk of social isolation is not evenly distributed, highlighting a critical issue of inequality that SDG 10 aims to address. According to America’s Health Rankings from the United Health Foundation, certain states exhibit a higher prevalence of risk for adults aged 65 and older. These states include:

• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• New Mexico
• New York

Community-Based Initiatives for Inclusive Societies (SDG 11 & SDG 17)

The Senior Companion Program

In New Orleans, Louisiana, the Senior Companion Program exemplifies a community-driven solution that promotes inclusive communities as outlined in SDG 11. For nearly two decades, volunteers like Dorothy Williams have provided essential companionship to elderly residents living alone, such as 90-year-old Lars Williams. This model fosters social cohesion and provides a vital support system, contributing directly to the well-being of a vulnerable population segment.

Intergenerational Partnerships: The DOROT Program

In New York City, the non-profit organization DOROT facilitates intergenerational connections by pairing teenagers with older adults. This initiative serves as a powerful example of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), building bridges across generations to combat isolation. Participants like Elizabeth Gerber and Mabinty Dakeit engage with seniors, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the community fabric, which is essential for creating sustainable and inclusive urban environments (SDG 11).

Threats to Program Sustainability and SDG Advancement

Jeopardy of Federal Funding

The continuity of these vital social programs is under threat. Andrew MacPherson, founder of the Foundation for Social Connection, and Elizabeth Blackwell, director of the New Orleans Senior Companionship Program, have expressed concern over potential federal funding cuts resulting from new domestic policy. Blackwell noted her program could lose nearly $300,000, forcing a complete shutdown.

Consequences of Service Discontinuation

The termination of such programs would create a significant setback for achieving multiple SDGs. The projected consequences include:

1. Increased Institutionalization: Without in-home companionship, more seniors may be forced into institutional care facilities, which could become overcrowded.
2. Increased Mortality Rates: The loss of social support and health monitoring services is expected to lead to an increase in deaths among isolated seniors, a direct contradiction to the goals of SDG 3.
3. Exacerbated Inequality: The most vulnerable elderly individuals would lose a critical lifeline, deepening the inequalities addressed by SDG 10.

Protecting funding for companionship, meal delivery, and health-monitoring services is imperative for maintaining progress toward a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable society for all ages.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article directly links social isolation in the elderly to severe negative health outcomes, including mental and physical diseases and premature death.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The focus is on older adults, a vulnerable group, and highlights programs designed to promote their social inclusion and well-being, thereby addressing age-based inequality.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The article discusses community-based programs in New Orleans and New York City that aim to create inclusive and supportive environments for older residents, allowing them to live in their homes rather than in institutions.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article showcases collaboration between non-profits (DOROT, Senior Companion Program), volunteers, and government (federal funding), and mentions an advocacy group (Foundation for Social Connection) working to protect these partnerships.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being.

   The article explicitly supports this target by stating that a 2020 study found “social isolation significantly increases the risk of dementia, heart disease, depression, strokes and premature death.” The companionship programs described are a direct intervention to promote mental health and well-being, thereby preventing these conditions.

2. Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social inclusion of all, irrespective of age.

   This target is central to the article. Programs like the “Senior Companion Program” and “DOROT” are designed specifically to combat loneliness and promote the social inclusion of “elderly residents who live alone.” The intergenerational aspect of the DOROT program, “connecting teens with older adults,” is a clear example of promoting inclusion irrespective of age.

3. Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection and access to quality essential health-care services.

   The article mentions that the threatened federal funding jeopardizes “vital companionship, meal delivery and health‐monitoring services for isolated older adults.” These are essential services contributing to the health of seniors. The potential loss of “$300,000 in federal funding” for the New Orleans program highlights the threat to financial protection for these services.

4. Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible spaces, in particular for older persons.

   While not about public spaces, the article addresses the core principle of inclusion for older persons within their communities. The director of the New Orleans program warns that without these services, “Institutionalization will be overcrowded.” The programs help create an inclusive community where older adults can remain safely in their own homes, which function as their primary personal space.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Prevalence of social isolation and associated health risks

   The article implies this indicator by citing “America’s Health Rankings,” which identifies states with the “highest risk of social isolation among adults ages 65 and older.” It also references a study linking isolation to specific health outcomes (dementia, heart disease, etc.), suggesting that the incidence of these diseases in the elderly population can be used as a measure of progress.

2. Amount of public/government funding for social support programs

   This is a directly mentioned indicator. The article specifies that the Senior Companionship Program in New Orleans is at risk of losing “almost $300,000 in federal funding.” The amount of secured funding for such programs is a direct measure of the resources allocated to achieving the related targets.

3. Number and reach of community-based companionship programs

   The article implies this indicator by describing specific programs like the “Senior Companion Program” and “DOROT.” The number of participants, volunteers, and the longevity of these programs (one volunteer has served for “almost 20 years”) can be used to measure the scale and success of efforts to promote social inclusion for the elderly.

4. Mortality rates and institutionalization rates among the elderly

   This is an implied negative indicator. The program director warns that if the program shuts down, “deaths will increase” and “Institutionalization will be overcrowded.” Therefore, tracking mortality rates and the number of elderly persons moving into institutions can measure the impact of the absence or presence of these support services.

Summary of Findings

Source: cbsnews.com