Preventing loneliness during the holiday season – AJC.com

Report on Social Isolation in Older Adults: A Challenge to Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

Social isolation and loneliness among older adults represent a significant public health crisis that directly impedes progress toward several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This phenomenon, particularly acute during holiday seasons, is not merely an emotional state but a critical determinant of health and well-being. This report analyzes the prevalence of loneliness in this demographic and its severe health consequences, framing the issue within the context of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

The Public Health Crisis of Loneliness and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Loneliness is defined by a lack of meaningful social connections, a condition that poses a direct threat to the achievement of SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The failure to address social isolation undermines Target 3.4, which focuses on promoting mental health and well-being.

Key Findings from Public Health Authorities

Research confirms that social isolation is a significant risk factor for numerous non-communicable diseases and adverse health conditions. Addressing this issue is therefore essential for public health strategy and meeting SDG 3 targets. Associated health risks include:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Weakened immune function
• Cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease
• Depression and anxiety
• Increased mortality

Prevalence and Impact on Inclusive Societies (SDG 10 & SDG 11)

The challenge of loneliness among older adults highlights systemic failures in creating fully inclusive societies, a core principle of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Data indicates a substantial portion of the older population is affected, necessitating community-level and policy interventions.

1. Statistical Evidence: According to the 2024 National Poll on Healthy Aging, 33% of adults aged 50-80 reported feeling lonely either some of the time or often.
2. Exacerbating Factors: Periods such as holidays can intensify feelings of isolation for those who have experienced loss, live far from family, or face health challenges, pointing to a need for more robust community support systems as envisioned in SDG 11.
3. Call for Inclusion: Combating loneliness is integral to fulfilling the promise of SDG 10 to empower and promote the social inclusion of all, irrespective of age.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • The article directly connects to SDG 3 by focusing on the significant health consequences of loneliness and social isolation among older adults. It explicitly states that these issues are linked to “higher risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, weakened immunity, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s, depression, anxiety and even increased mortality.” This aligns with the goal’s aim to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • The article addresses SDG 10 by highlighting the vulnerability of a specific demographic group: “older adults.” The issue of social isolation is presented as a challenge disproportionately affecting this group, which relates to the goal of promoting the social inclusion of all, irrespective of age. The article’s focus on those who “live far from family or face health challenges” points to inequalities in social support systems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.4: Reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

   • This target is highly relevant as the article identifies loneliness as a major risk factor for numerous non-communicable diseases (heart disease, high blood pressure) and mental health conditions (depression, anxiety). The text notes that loneliness can lead to “increased mortality,” directly linking the issue to the target of reducing premature death and promoting well-being.

2. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age…

   • This target is addressed through the article’s central theme of social isolation among the elderly. The expert quoted defines loneliness as lacking “meaningful connections,” which is the antithesis of social inclusion. The entire discussion revolves around the exclusion and isolation felt by older adults, making their social inclusion a key, unstated goal.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Prevalence of reported loneliness

   • The article provides a direct, quantifiable indicator from the “National Poll on Healthy Aging.” It states that “in 2024, 33% of older adults felt lonely some of the time or often.” This percentage serves as a clear metric to track the prevalence of loneliness within this specific population over time.

2. Morbidity and mortality rates from associated health conditions

   • The article implies that progress can be measured by tracking the incidence of the health problems it links to loneliness. It lists “high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, weakened immunity, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s, depression, anxiety and even increased mortality.” Therefore, monitoring the rates of these specific non-communicable and mental health diseases among older adults can serve as an indirect indicator of the impact of social isolation.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ajc.com