Loneliness and social isolation are personal and public health threats affecting our nation’s large population of older adults. This includes senior living communities, a setting where many did not fully realize the extent of these issues until recently. Research from iN2L confirms that, despite the communal setting, nearly 40% of older adults residing in senior living communities were often or always lonely, even before the pandemic. Perhaps most alarming is that during the pandemic, the number of residents who reported always feeling lonely increased by 230%. Opportunities for connection and engagement are the foundation of iN2L’s purpose-built solution designed specifically for seniors, and the fundamental building blocks to reducing loneliness and improving health and wellness. We know that by involving older adults in meaningful experiences and connecting them to others, we create higher levels of camaraderie and engagement, as well as a greater sense of purpose, all elements that are critical to overall health and quality of life, as well as decreasing overall healthcare costs. According to AARP, Medicare spends an additional $134 per month ($1608 annually) for socially isolated older adults, a cost equivalent to that of some chronic conditions. Additionally, LeadingAge cites that older adults with depression, a condition correlated with loneliness and isolation, incur medical costs that are 50% higher than those without depression.
iN2L’s recent research report on loneliness examines key perceptions of connection and engagement from senior living residents, decision-making family members, and community leaders.