The answer to the problem of loneliness and ageism among older adults may lie in community resilience
The answer to the problem of loneliness and ageism among older ... Morningstar
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Building Resilient Communities to Address Ageism and Loneliness in Older Adults
Introduction
By Sophie Okolo
‘Imagine what our society could look like if we focused on building resilient communities.’
This article is reprinted by permission from NextAvenue.org.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Ageism and Loneliness as Public Health Issues
- Ageism and loneliness are two relevant public health issues affecting older adults’ mental health.
- The coexistence of ageism and loneliness threatens the quality of life of older adults, especially those with significant barriers.
- The U.S. Census Bureau reports that older adults will be more racially and ethnically diverse, which has implications for ageism and loneliness.
The Need for a Holistic Approach to Resilience
- A report from the World Health Organization highlights the negative impact of ageism on physical and mental health, social isolation, financial insecurity, and decreased quality of life among older adults.
- Resilience can help reduce the mental health effects of ageism, but its impact on minority elders is unclear.
- A holistic approach to resilience is necessary to address ageism and loneliness effectively.
The Role of Resilience in Addressing Ageism and Loneliness
- Higher levels of resilience can prevent ageism from directly impacting mental health.
- Social isolation and loneliness are common among African-American and Black older adults, with cultural and language differences exacerbating the issue for immigrants.
- Barriers such as stigma, language barriers, and cultural conflicts contribute to acute loneliness among minority populations.
Building Resilient Communities
- Communities can improve accessibility for older adults through transportation options, home-based social visits, and technology to connect with loved ones remotely.
- An intentional community can promote resilience and reduce the adverse effects of loneliness and ageism.
Conclusion
- A degree of resilience is crucial in addressing ageism and loneliness.
- Solutions should consider unique lived experiences and prioritize equitable and accessible community-based support systems.
- A shift in narrative and personal responsibility is necessary to tackle these issues effectively.
About the Author
Sophie Okolo is a Forbes contributor, Columbia University Age Boom Academy Fellow, and TEDMED Research Scholar. She is the founder and host of Global Health Aging, a creative consultancy and award-nominated resource featuring diverse opinions, news stories, and innovative research about longevity and healthy aging.
This article is reprinted by permission from NextAvenue.org, (c)2023 Twin Cities Public Television, Inc. All rights reserved.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
- Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.
- Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate.
The article discusses ageism and loneliness as public health issues that affect older adults’ mental health. These issues can threaten the quality of life of older adults, particularly those with significant barriers. The article highlights the impact of resilience on reducing the mental health effects of ageism and loneliness. SDG 3 aims to promote good health and well-being for all ages, making it relevant to the issues discussed in the article.
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SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.
The article emphasizes the impact of ageism and loneliness on minority older adults. It mentions that ageism intersects with other forms of bias and disadvantage, including race, negatively impacting health and well-being. SDG 10 aims to reduce inequalities, including those based on age, making it relevant to the issues discussed in the article.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease. Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: morningstar.com
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