The Loneliness of Aging

Joan Somes

doi:10.1016/j.jen.2020.12.009

Geriatric Update| Volume 47, ISSUE 3, P469-475, May 2021

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The Loneliness of Aging

Joan Somes, PhD, RN-BC, CEN, CPEN, FAEN, NRP
Joan Somes
Correspondence
For correspondence, write: Joan Somes, PhD, RN-BC, CEN, CPEN, FAEN, NRP, 5718 Upper 136 Street Court, Apple Valley, MN 55124.
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Published:March 10, 2021DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jen.2020.12.009

Abstract

Isolation and loneliness have become buzz words when discussing older adults during the coronavirus disease pandemic; yet, these are age-old problems. Both have been studied extensively, yet there currently is no rapid or succinct tool that can be used in the emergency department to screen for either, or a consensus of evidence-based ways to correct these issues. This is of concern because both loneliness and social isolation have been linked to poor health. Poor health, in turn, can lead to worse isolation and loneliness. These health problems may lead to the older adult seeking care in the emergency department where screening and initial treatment could be initiated. Suggestions for questions that emergency nurses can ask to identify an older adult who is lonely or suffers from social isolation, as well as steps to consider when encountering the older adult with complaints of loneliness and/or social isolation, are provided, with the realization that these are only the first steps of many that would need to be taken. The purpose of this article is to bring forward updated information that discusses loneliness and social isolation in older adults, a timely priority during the coronavirus disease pandemic and often listed as a factor in older adult deaths. A review of relevant screening tools for use in the emergency department are provided.

Key words

“Isolation a Factor in 3 Senior Deaths”

¹

Magan C. Isolation a factor in 3 senior deaths. St. Paul Pioneer Press. Published 2020. Accessed June 9, 2020. https://www.twincities.com/2020/06/19/isolated-during-the-pandemic-seniors-are-dying-of-loneliness-and-their-families-are-demanding-help/

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The story accompanying this front-page headline in the St. Paul Pioneer Press newspaper on June 21, 2020, described how 3 older adults—all aged above 90 years—had “social isolation” listed as the “cause of death or contributing factor” on their death certificates. The reporter noted that only one of the seniors had tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19), but all lived in long-term Alzheimer disease care facilities that had taken steps to decrease the risk of exposure to the virus. Each patient had been confined to their room; their interactive activities were canceled; and they were not allowed visitors, including family. The staff continued to interact with, and provide care to, these seniors, but their routines had been disrupted. The facility staff shared with the reporter that during the 3 months of confinement, the patients showed a “decreased interest in eating, spent more time sleeping, seemed to lose interest in living, and developed ‘failure to thrive.’ ”

¹

Magan C. Isolation a factor in 3 senior deaths. St. Paul Pioneer Press. Published 2020. Accessed June 9, 2020. https://www.twincities.com/2020/06/19/isolated-during-the-pandemic-seniors-are-dying-of-loneliness-and-their-families-are-demanding-help/

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Isolation and loneliness have been written about and studied for centuries and are not new problems.

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Alberti FB. The invention of loneliness: why being ‘unhappy alone’ is a surprisingly modern idea. HistoryExtra. Published 2020. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.historyextra.com/period/victorian/invention-loneliness-mental-health-lonely-history-modern-unhappy-self-isolation-alone/

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However, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to renewed concerns about social isolation and loneliness and how to deal with them. It seems appropriate to take a look at both, including some of the causes, the effects they have on health, and some options that emergency nurses could consider when providing care for the older adult who is at risk of social isolation and loneliness, now and even after COVID-19 is not the causative factor.

Although social isolation may lead to loneliness, these terms are not interchangeable.

²

Alberti FB. The invention of loneliness: why being ‘unhappy alone’ is a surprisingly modern idea. HistoryExtra. Published 2020. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.historyextra.com/period/victorian/invention-loneliness-mental-health-lonely-history-modern-unhappy-self-isolation-alone/

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^,

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Loneliness is described as the subjective feeling of distress related to the patient’s perception of a lack of companions or social connections/network.

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Fakoya O.
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^,

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Isolation is the objective description of a lack of social connections.

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^,

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Previous studies have discussed older adults (typically aged above 65 years) who identified as socially isolated but were not suffering a sense of feeling lonely and others who complained of feeling lonely although they were not socially isolated.

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Fakoya O.
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Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.

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The studies also noted that life events that accompany aging increase the risk of an older adult becoming disconnected from society and vulnerable to developing social isolation and/or feelings of loneliness.

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^,

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It is important for emergency care providers to recognize the older adult who is at risk of being lonely or socially isolated because both have been linked to poor health outcomes.

⁸

Singer C. Health effects of social isolation and loneliness. J Aging Life Care. Spring 2018. Aging Life Care Association. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.aginglifecarejournal.org/health-effects-of-social-isolation-and-loneliness/

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More importantly, there are actions that can be taken to mitigate these issues.

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Risk Factors for Social Isolation and Loneliness

The most commonly identified risk factor leading to isolation and loneliness is the death of a spouse, significant other, or friend(s)—especially when the loss involves a support person or means of transportation.

³

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Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.

^,

⁴

Valtorta N.K.
Kanaan M.
Gilbody S.
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Loneliness, social isolation and social relationships: what are we measuring? A novel framework for classifying and comparing tools.

^,

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Ong A.
Uchino B.
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^,

⁶

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^,

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Other easily recognized risk factors involving loss include loss of family involvement when children grow up, leave home, and become busy with their own lives, or a loss of the neighborhood network of friends that occurs during the process of downsizing or relocating to a smaller home, condominium, assisted care, or nursing home.

¹⁰

US Department of Health and Human Services. Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks. National Institute on Aging. Published April 23, 2019. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks

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Retirement can also lead to loss of daily interaction with coworkers and friends, leading to loneliness.

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Seegert L. Social isolation, loneliness negatively affect health for seniors. Published March 16, 2017. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://healthjournalism.org/blog/2017/03/social-isolation-loneliness-negatively-affect-health-for-seniors/

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Becoming a primary caregiver can lead to loss of time to socialize, to isolation, and to a sense of loneliness in the caregiver, especially if the ailing person in the partnership was the one who did the driving before becoming ill.

⁸

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^,

¹⁵

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Other losses related to aging may or may not immediately be recognized as the causative factor in the loneliness or isolation experienced by an older adult. Loss of the ability to drive owing to physical or cognitive changes, as well as worries about safety when driving or the lack of alternative transportation can lead to decreased opportunities for socialization.

⁹

Seegert L. Social isolation, loneliness negatively affect health for seniors. Published March 16, 2017. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://healthjournalism.org/blog/2017/03/social-isolation-loneliness-negatively-affect-health-for-seniors/

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¹⁰

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Extreme weather causing snowy/icy roads and sidewalks, excessive heat, humidity, or air pollution, as well as fears of falling, increased crime, and personal safety (especially related to infections—influenza as well as COVID-19) have been listed as reasons to remain homebound and thus at risk of isolation and loneliness.

¹⁰

US Department of Health and Human Services. Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks. National Institute on Aging. Published April 23, 2019. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks

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Increased frailty, mobility issues, and lack of funds to cover the cost of socializing (eg, eating out with friends, going to movies, playing bingo) as well as concerns about being embarrassed or becoming an embarrassment in public have led to older adults staying isolated in their home to avoid these situations.

⁹

Seegert L. Social isolation, loneliness negatively affect health for seniors. Published March 16, 2017. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://healthjournalism.org/blog/2017/03/social-isolation-loneliness-negatively-affect-health-for-seniors/

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The need to rely on durable medical equipment (oxygen tanks, walkers, wheelchairs, and so on)

¹⁵

Snedeker L.

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and inability to hear what others are saying or see what others are seeing can also lead to older adults staying home.

¹⁶

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Ageism and stereotyped thinking or comments such as “They are old, so …they won’t want to, …they can’t keep up, …they’d rather be in bed, …they need frequent restroom stops, …they can’t hear, …they can’t see, …they won’t understand the situation” are attitudes that have led to older adults not being invited to attend social events or to their own reluctance to attend, thus leading them to be socially isolated.

⁹

Seegert L. Social isolation, loneliness negatively affect health for seniors. Published March 16, 2017. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://healthjournalism.org/blog/2017/03/social-isolation-loneliness-negatively-affect-health-for-seniors/

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^,

¹⁰

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^,

¹²

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^,

¹⁵

Snedeker L.

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Google Scholar

Worse yet is when the older adult is brought to an event but ignored by the rest of the people in attendance owing to these attitudes.

¹⁰

US Department of Health and Human Services. Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks. National Institute on Aging. Published April 23, 2019. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks

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Vulnerable older adults who are also first-generation immigrants have identified increased isolation owing to language barriers, and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender population has reported loneliness more than other groups.

⁷

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alzheimer's disease and healthy aging: loneliness and social isolation linked to serious health conditions.

Google Scholar

^,

¹²

Samuels C., Facts about senior isolation and the effects of loneliness that will stun you. aPlace for Mom Website/Caregiver-Resources. Published 2020. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/senior-isolation-fact

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It is easy to recognize the “common” reasons for an older adult to feel disconnected, socially isolated, and lonely (loss of spouse or friends). When obtaining a history to identify the older adult who is lonely or isolated, it is important to consider other aspects of the older adult’s life that allow or disallow the ability to interact with others. It is not only the physical loss of significant others or friends that puts one at risk; it may be a change within the older adult’s self-image or the way they are being treated that leads to loneliness and isolation.

¹⁰

US Department of Health and Human Services. Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks. National Institute on Aging. Published April 23, 2019. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks

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^,

¹¹

US Department of Health and Human Services. Addressing social isolation to improve the health of older adults: a rapid review. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Published February 11, 2019. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/social-isolation/rapid-product

Google Scholar

^,

¹²

Samuels C., Facts about senior isolation and the effects of loneliness that will stun you. aPlace for Mom Website/Caregiver-Resources. Published 2020. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/senior-isolation-fact

Google Scholar

^,

¹³

Novotney A.

The risks of social isolation.

Google Scholar

^,

¹⁴

Health Resources & Services Administration. The “loneliness epidemic”. Updated January 2019. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.hrsa.gov/enews/past-issues/2019/january-17/loneliness-epidemic

Google Scholar

^,

¹⁵

Snedeker L.

Aging & isolation — causes and impacts.

Google Scholar

^,

¹⁶

Botek A. Combating the epidemic of loneliness in seniors. AgingCare. Updated March 2, 2020. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/loneliness-in-the-elderly-151549.htm

Google Scholar

^,

¹⁷

Rutherford B.R.
Brewster K.
Golub J.S.
Kim A.H.
Roose S.P.

Sensation and psychiatry: linking age-related hearing loss to late-life depression and cognitive decline.

^,

³

Fakoya O.
McCorry N.
Donnelly M.

Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.

^,

⁴

Valtorta N.K.
Kanaan M.
Gilbody S.
Hanratty B.

Loneliness, social isolation and social relationships: what are we measuring? A novel framework for classifying and comparing tools.

^,

⁵

Ong A.
Uchino B.
Wethington E.

Loneliness and health in older adults: a mini-review and synthesis.

^,

⁶

Holt-Lunstad J.

The potential public health relevance of social isolation and loneliness: prevalence, epidemiology, and risk factors.

^,

⁷

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alzheimer's disease and healthy aging: loneliness and social isolation linked to serious health conditions.

Google Scholar

^,

⁸

Singer C. Health effects of social isolation and loneliness. J Aging Life Care. Spring 2018. Aging Life Care Association. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.aginglifecarejournal.org/health-effects-of-social-isolation-and-loneliness/

Google Scholar

^,

⁹

Seegert L. Social isolation, loneliness negatively affect health for seniors. Published March 16, 2017. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://healthjournalism.org/blog/2017/03/social-isolation-loneliness-negatively-affect-health-for-seniors/

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Even after the fears of exposing our older adults to COVID-19 has gone away, these other reasons will remain and may even be perpetuated in our emergency departments.

The Risks of Isolation and Loneliness

The multiple health risks associated with social isolation and loneliness make it important for health care providers to identify older adults who are isolated or lonely and attempt to intervene. Singer notes that most people are “physiologically and biologically ‘programmed’ to need social networks.”

⁸

Singer C. Health effects of social isolation and loneliness. J Aging Life Care. Spring 2018. Aging Life Care Association. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.aginglifecarejournal.org/health-effects-of-social-isolation-and-loneliness/

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Loss of the ability to network can lead to stress build-up and release of cortisol, which leads to an inflammatory response in the body and associated consequences.

⁸

Singer C. Health effects of social isolation and loneliness. J Aging Life Care. Spring 2018. Aging Life Care Association. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.aginglifecarejournal.org/health-effects-of-social-isolation-and-loneliness/

Google Scholar

^,

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Seegert L. Social isolation, loneliness negatively affect health for seniors. Published March 16, 2017. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://healthjournalism.org/blog/2017/03/social-isolation-loneliness-negatively-affect-health-for-seniors/

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^,

¹⁰

US Department of Health and Human Services. Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks. National Institute on Aging. Published April 23, 2019. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks

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Studies have shown increased platelet aggregation, instability of the autonomic nervous system, hypertension, arthritis, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in persons reporting feelings of being isolated or lonely.

⁷

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alzheimer's disease and healthy aging: loneliness and social isolation linked to serious health conditions.

Google Scholar

^,

⁸

Singer C. Health effects of social isolation and loneliness. J Aging Life Care. Spring 2018. Aging Life Care Association. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.aginglifecarejournal.org/health-effects-of-social-isolation-and-loneliness/

Google Scholar

The risk of cardiovascular death increases by 90%, the risk of death from an accident or suicide attempt has been shown to double, the risk of having a nonfatal coronary event in the lonely or isolated older adult increases by 29%, the risk of having a stroke by 32%, and the risk of developing dementia by 50%.

⁷

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alzheimer's disease and healthy aging: loneliness and social isolation linked to serious health conditions.

Google Scholar

^,

⁸

Singer C. Health effects of social isolation and loneliness. J Aging Life Care. Spring 2018. Aging Life Care Association. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.aginglifecarejournal.org/health-effects-of-social-isolation-and-loneliness/

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^,

¹⁴

Health Resources & Services Administration. The “loneliness epidemic”. Updated January 2019. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.hrsa.gov/enews/past-issues/2019/january-17/loneliness-epidemic

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One study equated the effects of loneliness and isolation on the body to the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

¹⁴

Health Resources & Services Administration. The “loneliness epidemic”. Updated January 2019. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.hrsa.gov/enews/past-issues/2019/january-17/loneliness-epidemic

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Patients with heart failure and loneliness had a 4-times-greater risk of death, 68% more hospitalizations, and presented to the emergency department on a more frequent basis (57%).

⁷

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alzheimer's disease and healthy aging: loneliness and social isolation linked to serious health conditions.

Google Scholar

The ability to fight off infections is reduced owing to decreased immune system activity, and declines in renal function have also been associated with isolation and loneliness.

⁸

Singer C. Health effects of social isolation and loneliness. J Aging Life Care. Spring 2018. Aging Life Care Association. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.aginglifecarejournal.org/health-effects-of-social-isolation-and-loneliness/

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Poor sleep patterns, signs of accelerated cognitive decline, and a diminished ability to carry out activities of daily living have been seen in those who are isolated and lonely.

⁷

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alzheimer's disease and healthy aging: loneliness and social isolation linked to serious health conditions.

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^,

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Singer C. Health effects of social isolation and loneliness. J Aging Life Care. Spring 2018. Aging Life Care Association. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.aginglifecarejournal.org/health-effects-of-social-isolation-and-loneliness/

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^,

¹²

Samuels C., Facts about senior isolation and the effects of loneliness that will stun you. aPlace for Mom Website/Caregiver-Resources. Published 2020. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/senior-isolation-fact

Google Scholar

Living alone may contribute to poor eating, increased use of alcohol, and increased risk of elder abuse (scams and fraudulent financial schemes).

⁷

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alzheimer's disease and healthy aging: loneliness and social isolation linked to serious health conditions.

Google Scholar

^,

⁸

Singer C. Health effects of social isolation and loneliness. J Aging Life Care. Spring 2018. Aging Life Care Association. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.aginglifecarejournal.org/health-effects-of-social-isolation-and-loneliness/

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^,

¹²

Samuels C., Facts about senior isolation and the effects of loneliness that will stun you. aPlace for Mom Website/Caregiver-Resources. Published 2020. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/senior-isolation-fact

Google Scholar

Premature death risk overall doubles in the patient who is lonely and isolated.

¹³

Novotney A.

The risks of social isolation.

Google Scholar

Approximately one-fourth of adults aged above 65 years are considered to be lonely or socially isolated. Living alone, loss of friends and family, chronic illness, and hearing/vision loss are identified as the most common factors causing this.

⁷

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alzheimer's disease and healthy aging: loneliness and social isolation linked to serious health conditions.

Google Scholar

^,

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Novotney A.

The risks of social isolation.

Google Scholar

It is interesting to note that although isolation and loneliness can contribute to poor health, poor health can also contribute to social isolation and loneliness.

³

Fakoya O.
McCorry N.
Donnelly M.

Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.

^,

⁴

Valtorta N.K.
Kanaan M.
Gilbody S.
Hanratty B.

Loneliness, social isolation and social relationships: what are we measuring? A novel framework for classifying and comparing tools.

^,

⁵

Ong A.
Uchino B.
Wethington E.

Loneliness and health in older adults: a mini-review and synthesis.

^,

¹¹

US Department of Health and Human Services. Addressing social isolation to improve the health of older adults: a rapid review. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Published February 11, 2019. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/social-isolation/rapid-product

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^,

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

^,

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Elder K.
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Framework for isolation in adults over 50. AARP Foundation. (2012 classic).

Google Scholar

Identifying the older adult who is lonely or socially isolated and intervening may help to break this cycle.

Screening Tools Looking for Social Isolation and Loneliness

When looking at the number of adults aged above 60 years who admit to being lonely (25%-50%)

³

Fakoya O.
McCorry N.
Donnelly M.

Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.

^,

⁵

Ong A.
Uchino B.
Wethington E.

Loneliness and health in older adults: a mini-review and synthesis.

^,

⁷

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alzheimer's disease and healthy aging: loneliness and social isolation linked to serious health conditions.

Google Scholar

^,

⁹

Seegert L. Social isolation, loneliness negatively affect health for seniors. Published March 16, 2017. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://healthjournalism.org/blog/2017/03/social-isolation-loneliness-negatively-affect-health-for-seniors/

Google Scholar

and/or socially isolated (24%-30%),

³

Fakoya O.
McCorry N.
Donnelly M.

Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.

^,

⁵

Ong A.
Uchino B.
Wethington E.

Loneliness and health in older adults: a mini-review and synthesis.

^,

⁷

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alzheimer's disease and healthy aging: loneliness and social isolation linked to serious health conditions.

Google Scholar

^,

¹³

Novotney A.

The risks of social isolation.

Google Scholar

combined with the risks of the serious medical consequences attributed to loneliness and social isolation, it would seem appropriate to identify a quick and simple screening tool that emergency nurses could use to identify those older adults who are at risk. ED staff could then work to incorporate some sort of “fix” into these patients’ plan of care to improve health outcomes.

In a meta-analysis comparing tools to measure loneliness and social isolation, Valtorta et al identified 54 instruments.

⁴

Valtorta N.K.
Kanaan M.
Gilbody S.
Hanratty B.

Loneliness, social isolation and social relationships: what are we measuring? A novel framework for classifying and comparing tools.

The number and variety of questions found in the various screens were numerous, wide-ranging, and not standardized. Ultimately, Valtorta et al

⁴

Valtorta N.K.
Kanaan M.
Gilbody S.
Hanratty B.

Loneliness, social isolation and social relationships: what are we measuring? A novel framework for classifying and comparing tools.

concluded that the questions found in the various screens could be simplified and classified as either the “function and structure of a social relationship” or the “degree of subjectivity related to the relationship,” but none of the tools screened for both. Their recommendation was to use a screen that was specific to the problem being studied: social isolation or loneliness.

⁴

Valtorta N.K.
Kanaan M.
Gilbody S.
Hanratty B.

Loneliness, social isolation and social relationships: what are we measuring? A novel framework for classifying and comparing tools.

It was also noted by Valtorta et al

⁴

Valtorta N.K.
Kanaan M.
Gilbody S.
Hanratty B.

Loneliness, social isolation and social relationships: what are we measuring? A novel framework for classifying and comparing tools.

, as well as other authors during their literature reviews, that the studies looking at loneliness and social isolation frequently lacked standardization of terminology, often did not include all the interdependent variables (isolation, loneliness, and underlying health status), and that the subjective nature of the answers related to loneliness questions compared with the objectively measured answers to social isolation questions led to challenges identifying/creating 1 tool to use.

³

Fakoya O.
McCorry N.
Donnelly M.

Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.

^,

⁴

Valtorta N.K.
Kanaan M.
Gilbody S.
Hanratty B.

Loneliness, social isolation and social relationships: what are we measuring? A novel framework for classifying and comparing tools.

^,

⁵

Ong A.
Uchino B.
Wethington E.

Loneliness and health in older adults: a mini-review and synthesis.

^,

¹¹

US Department of Health and Human Services. Addressing social isolation to improve the health of older adults: a rapid review. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Published February 11, 2019. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/social-isolation/rapid-product

Google Scholar

^,

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

^,

¹⁹

Elder K.
Retrum J.

Framework for isolation in adults over 50. AARP Foundation. (2012 classic).

Google Scholar

In addition, many studies’ screening questions did not ask about health, whereas others focused entirely on the concept that social isolation and loneliness led to poor health and that poor health contributed to isolation and a sense of loneliness.

³

Fakoya O.
McCorry N.
Donnelly M.

Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.

^,

⁴

Valtorta N.K.
Kanaan M.
Gilbody S.
Hanratty B.

Loneliness, social isolation and social relationships: what are we measuring? A novel framework for classifying and comparing tools.

^,

⁵

Ong A.
Uchino B.
Wethington E.

Loneliness and health in older adults: a mini-review and synthesis.

^,

¹¹

US Department of Health and Human Services. Addressing social isolation to improve the health of older adults: a rapid review. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Published February 11, 2019. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/social-isolation/rapid-product

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^,

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

^,

¹⁹

Elder K.
Retrum J.

Framework for isolation in adults over 50. AARP Foundation. (2012 classic).

Google Scholar

Valtorta et al

⁴

Valtorta N.K.
Kanaan M.
Gilbody S.
Hanratty B.

Loneliness, social isolation and social relationships: what are we measuring? A novel framework for classifying and comparing tools.

also specifically noted that most screening tools went into such depth that they took significant time to complete. Currently, there is no standardized, succinct, meaningful, and evidence-based tool that screens for both loneliness and social isolation to identify the older adult suffering from, or at risk for, these conditions in the emergency department. However, there are programs that may be helpful in identifying the potential risk of, and dealing with, social isolation and loneliness.

The Campaign to End Loneliness, started in the United Kingdom in 2011, provides a potential solution to screening.

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

The program has since expanded to several countries across Europe and to some degree in the United States.

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

The goal of the campaign was to decrease loneliness and social isolation in the “elderly population” in the United Kingdom.

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

In 2013, the project leaders determined that a simple screening tool was needed to measure the successes related to the interactions that had been implemented. A variety of measurement tools, including the De Jong Gierveld loneliness scale, the revised UCLA loneliness scale, and the single-item “scale” were evaluated.

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

The campaign leaders concluded that each of these 3 tools had their benefits, but each also had a downside (2 were more appropriate for researchers; the other was better designed to determine if services were needed by the older adult or if the services being provided were sufficient).

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

The Campaign to End Loneliness leaders then decided to create their own tool that synthesized and incorporated the concepts of the many screens found in the literature.

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

Care providers were instructed to review information about each of the loneliness scales to determine which was most appropriate for their clientele and use the tool that best served their project.

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

(See Table 1 for components of the scales.)

Table 1Examples of screening topics found in commonly used loneliness and isolation screening tools

Campaign to End Loneliness Measurement Tool ¹⁸ Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf Google Scholar	Asks 3 questions about contentment with friendships, relationships, having enough people the older adult felt comfortable asking for help and if relationships were as satisfying as they would want them to be.
The De Jong Gierveld 6-item Loneliness Scale ¹⁸ Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf Google Scholar	Asks 6 questions about feeling empty, missing people, feeling rejected, having adequate people to call upon for help and feel close to and trust completely.
The UCLA Loneliness Scale ¹⁸ Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf Google Scholar	Asks how often the older adult felt they lacked companionship, felt left out or isolated.
Single-Item Questions ¹⁸ Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf Google Scholar	Asks about frequency and current status of sense of loneliness.
Lubben Social Network Scale (abbreviated) ²⁰ Lubben J. Blozik E. Gillmann G. et al. Performance of an abbreviated version of the Lubben social network scale among three European community-dwelling older adult populations. Gerontologist. 2006; 46: 503-513https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/46.4.503 Crossref PubMed Scopus (923) Google Scholar	Asks about frequency and number of contacts with relatives, ease of talking with them, and comfort the older adult feels with calling for help. The same questions are repeated substituting friend for relative.
Indicators from NSHAP study ²¹ Cornwell E. Waite L. Measuring social isolation among older adults using multiple indicators from the NSHAP study. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2009; 64: i38-i46https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbp037 Crossref PubMed Scopus (266) Google Scholar	A tool with an extensive scoring system that asks about social network characteristics, living arrangements, number of friends and family, and social support.

Open table in a new tab

When distilled down, most of the tools ask participants about feelings related to (1) having enough friends and relationships, (2) being able to trust/rely on people for help at any time, and (3) whether their relationships were as satisfying/inclusive as they would like.

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

Each screen calculated a score, but the leaders of the campaign reminded caregivers that the scores were a “snapshot” of the moment and only compared how the person is changing in their loneliness, not how lonely they are compared with someone else. They also noted that “someone with a score of ‘4’ may not be half as lonely as the person with a score of ‘8.’ ”

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

A search to see if the United States had a version of the Campaign to End Loneliness program led to the Health Resources and Services Administration website, which provided data about loneliness in older adults and a link to the Campaign to End Loneliness in the United Kingdom.

¹⁴

Health Resources & Services Administration. The “loneliness epidemic”. Updated January 2019. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.hrsa.gov/enews/past-issues/2019/january-17/loneliness-epidemic

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^,

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

Emergency nurses who would like to quickly screen for loneliness in their ED patient could use the De Jong Gierveld loneliness scale, revised UCLA loneliness scale, single-item “scale,” the Campaign to End Loneliness Measurement Tool,

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

or simply ask the patient if they are feeling lonely. It should be noted that none of these tools measures the risk of social isolation, and not all have been validated or universally used, but the answers would give emergency nurses a general sense of how the patient feels that they are doing in regard to feeling lonely.

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

Social isolation is distinctly different from loneliness.

³

Fakoya O.
McCorry N.
Donnelly M.

Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.

^,

¹³

Novotney A.

The risks of social isolation.

Google Scholar

^,

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

^,

¹⁹

Elder K.
Retrum J.

Framework for isolation in adults over 50. AARP Foundation. (2012 classic).

Google Scholar

Living alone was the most common factor associated with social isolation, and almost 50% of the older adults lived alone.

⁹

Seegert L. Social isolation, loneliness negatively affect health for seniors. Published March 16, 2017. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://healthjournalism.org/blog/2017/03/social-isolation-loneliness-negatively-affect-health-for-seniors/

Google Scholar

^,

¹¹

US Department of Health and Human Services. Addressing social isolation to improve the health of older adults: a rapid review. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Published February 11, 2019. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/social-isolation/rapid-product

Google Scholar

^,

¹²

Samuels C., Facts about senior isolation and the effects of loneliness that will stun you. aPlace for Mom Website/Caregiver-Resources. Published 2020. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/senior-isolation-fact

Google Scholar

^,

¹⁹

Elder K.
Retrum J.

Framework for isolation in adults over 50. AARP Foundation. (2012 classic).

Google Scholar

It is important to note that although someone who is socially isolated may have a high loneliness score, there are just as many who meet the definition of “socially isolated,” yet are able to develop and maintain a network of contacts and connections and thus say that they do not feel lonely.

¹¹

US Department of Health and Human Services. Addressing social isolation to improve the health of older adults: a rapid review. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Published February 11, 2019. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/social-isolation/rapid-product

Google Scholar

^,

¹⁹

Elder K.
Retrum J.

Framework for isolation in adults over 50. AARP Foundation. (2012 classic).

Google Scholar

The Lubben Social Networking Scale was most frequently mentioned when searching for tools that screened for isolation.

²⁰

Lubben J.
Blozik E.
Gillmann G.
et al.

Performance of an abbreviated version of the Lubben social network scale among three European community-dwelling older adult populations.

The National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project provides a list of indicators identified as potentially helpful in determining the risk of social isolation, although it is not specifically identified as a screening tool.

²¹

Cornwell E.
Waite L.

Measuring social isolation among older adults using multiple indicators from the NSHAP study.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Foundation’s “Framework for Isolation in Adults Over 50” provided a meta-analysis of tools used to measure isolation and loneliness, noting that tools related to measuring isolation were limited.

¹⁹

Elder K.
Retrum J.

Framework for isolation in adults over 50. AARP Foundation. (2012 classic).

Google Scholar

The AARP provided a list of individual measures useful in gauging isolation, with the notation that “isolation in adults age ≥50 years occurs due to a complex set of circumstances and factors at the individual, social network, community, and societal levels.”

¹⁹

Elder K.
Retrum J.

Framework for isolation in adults over 50. AARP Foundation. (2012 classic).

Google Scholar

Living alone, mobility or sensory impairments, major life transitions, limited resources, language barriers, location, and low income were identified as some of the factors that affect the ability to connect with other people.

¹⁹

Elder K.
Retrum J.

Framework for isolation in adults over 50. AARP Foundation. (2012 classic).

Google Scholar

^,

²⁰

Lubben J.
Blozik E.
Gillmann G.
et al.

Performance of an abbreviated version of the Lubben social network scale among three European community-dwelling older adult populations.

^,

²¹

Cornwell E.
Waite L.

Measuring social isolation among older adults using multiple indicators from the NSHAP study.

(See Table 1 for a list of indicators.) The AARP authors also noted that health status can have an impact on the ability to connect with others and that all factors contributing to social isolation can also contribute to loneliness.

¹⁹

Elder K.
Retrum J.

Framework for isolation in adults over 50. AARP Foundation. (2012 classic).

Google Scholar

Finally, the AARP authors noted that variations in how researchers described, defined, and measured work on isolation demonstrated that “additional research would be helpful in standardizing tools and interventions.”

¹⁹

Elder K.
Retrum J.

Framework for isolation in adults over 50. AARP Foundation. (2012 classic).

Google Scholar

As noted, there are currently no simple screening tools that can be used in the emergency department to identify the older adult suffering from, or at risk for, both loneliness and social isolation. However, asking basic questions about living alone; the number of social or family contacts; and the patient’s satisfaction with quantity, quality, reliability, and trust of these contacts, as well as asking the older adult if they feel isolated or lonely may provide enough information to lead emergency nurses to take action.

Actions To Take When a Patient Is Lonely or Socially Isolated

Interestingly, no specific interventions related to loneliness or social isolation have been proven to be effective in the long term, especially related to improving health.

³

Fakoya O.
McCorry N.
Donnelly M.

Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.

^,

⁴

Valtorta N.K.
Kanaan M.
Gilbody S.
Hanratty B.

Loneliness, social isolation and social relationships: what are we measuring? A novel framework for classifying and comparing tools.

^,

⁵

Ong A.
Uchino B.
Wethington E.

Loneliness and health in older adults: a mini-review and synthesis.

^,

⁶

Holt-Lunstad J.

The potential public health relevance of social isolation and loneliness: prevalence, epidemiology, and risk factors.

^,

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

^,

¹⁹

Elder K.
Retrum J.

Framework for isolation in adults over 50. AARP Foundation. (2012 classic).

Google Scholar

In the words of 1 study’s author, there is a “dearth” and “paucity” of studies that are well constructed, evidence-based, or replicated that describe the actions to take when a patient is lonely or socially isolated.

⁵

Ong A.
Uchino B.
Wethington E.

Loneliness and health in older adults: a mini-review and synthesis.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality released a study in 2019 that looked at interventions targeting social isolation and loneliness, as well as their impact on health in those aged above 60 years.

¹¹

US Department of Health and Human Services. Addressing social isolation to improve the health of older adults: a rapid review. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Published February 11, 2019. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/social-isolation/rapid-product

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Their key messages noted a lack of consistency in terminology, screens and measurements being used, effects of interventions, adverse events as a result of interventions, and follow-through by investigators in their reports.

¹¹

US Department of Health and Human Services. Addressing social isolation to improve the health of older adults: a rapid review. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Published February 11, 2019. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/social-isolation/rapid-product

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These sentiments were echoed in other meta-analyses reviewing this critical issue of loneliness and social isolation. Despite being in the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic, concern regarding dealing with loneliness and isolation in the older adult is not a new concept, and evidence-based solutions to the problem are still being sought.

³

Fakoya O.
McCorry N.
Donnelly M.

Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.

^,

⁴

Valtorta N.K.
Kanaan M.
Gilbody S.
Hanratty B.

Loneliness, social isolation and social relationships: what are we measuring? A novel framework for classifying and comparing tools.

^,

⁵

Ong A.
Uchino B.
Wethington E.

Loneliness and health in older adults: a mini-review and synthesis.

^,

⁶

Holt-Lunstad J.

The potential public health relevance of social isolation and loneliness: prevalence, epidemiology, and risk factors.

^,

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

^,

¹⁹

Elder K.
Retrum J.

Framework for isolation in adults over 50. AARP Foundation. (2012 classic).

Google Scholar

It is also important to recognize and remember that loneliness and social isolation will continue long after COVID-19 has been conquered. As 1 author put it, loneliness and social isolation are just “different epidemics to fight.”

⁶

Holt-Lunstad J.

The potential public health relevance of social isolation and loneliness: prevalence, epidemiology, and risk factors.

What Can Emergency Nurses Do?

Despite a lack of standardized screens and proven methods of approaching loneliness and isolation in the older adult, emergency nurses can ask questions of the patient about feelings of loneliness or being socially isolated and take actions to help mitigate risk to an older adult’s health caused by these issues. It should be recalled that social isolation and loneliness are multifactorial; therefore, a variety of solutions should be considered when attempting to assist the older adult to reengage with others, overcome the risks of isolation and loneliness, and decrease the risks placed on their health.

¹¹

US Department of Health and Human Services. Addressing social isolation to improve the health of older adults: a rapid review. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Published February 11, 2019. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/social-isolation/rapid-product

Google Scholar

^,

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

^,

¹⁹

Elder K.
Retrum J.

Framework for isolation in adults over 50. AARP Foundation. (2012 classic).

Google Scholar

Emergency nurses can make a difference by simply asking the older adult, “How are you doing? Do you live alone? Do you feel lonely or isolated? Do you feel you have the help you need and trust? Do you get to visit with someone you like?” Then, the emergency nurse can take some steps to help reconnect the older adult.

The Campaign to End Loneliness document, as well as the AARP “Framework for Isolation in Adults Over 50” and the 2019 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality document, all provided ideas that could be employed to combat loneliness and social isolation.

¹¹

US Department of Health and Human Services. Addressing social isolation to improve the health of older adults: a rapid review. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Published February 11, 2019. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/social-isolation/rapid-product

Google Scholar

^,

¹⁸

Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf

Google Scholar

^,

¹⁹

Elder K.
Retrum J.

Framework for isolation in adults over 50. AARP Foundation. (2012 classic).

Google Scholar

Many of these, as well as other options gleaned from the literature that emergency nurses could consider when attempting to increase connections, decrease loneliness, and lessen social isolation in the older adult, are listed in Table 2.

Table 2Examples of ways to increase connections, decrease loneliness, or isolation

1.
Spend quality time and connect with the older adult when they are in the department as a patient. (Remember that difficulty hearing can cause additional disconnection.)
³
Fakoya O.
McCorry N.
Donnelly M.
Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.
BMC Public Health. 2020; 20: 129https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8251-6
Crossref

PubMed

Scopus (211)

Google Scholar
^,
¹⁶
Botek A. Combating the epidemic of loneliness in seniors. AgingCare. Updated March 2, 2020. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/loneliness-in-the-elderly-151549.htm
Google Scholar
^,
¹⁸
Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf
Google Scholar

2.
If your department does patient call backs - take the time a make that call to an older adult and re-connect with them. These call backs were shown to be decrease sense of loneliness and isolation.
³
Fakoya O.
McCorry N.
Donnelly M.
Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.
BMC Public Health. 2020; 20: 129https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8251-6
Crossref

PubMed

Scopus (211)

Google Scholar
^,
¹⁶
Botek A. Combating the epidemic of loneliness in seniors. AgingCare. Updated March 2, 2020. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/loneliness-in-the-elderly-151549.htm
Google Scholar
^,
¹⁸
Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf
Google Scholar
^,
²²
ACEP geriatric emergency department accreditation. Criteria for levels 1,2 &3. American College of Emergency Physicians. Accessed November 3, 2020. geda-criteria.pdf (acep.org), https://www.ACEP.org/globalassets/sites/geda/documnets/geda-criteria.pdf
Google Scholar

3.
Work with the provider to obtain a referral for a home visit to check on the patient. Provide documentation that validates the ICD-10-CM codes application.
³
Fakoya O.
McCorry N.
Donnelly M.
Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.
BMC Public Health. 2020; 20: 129https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8251-6
Crossref

PubMed

Scopus (211)

Google Scholar
^,
¹⁶
Botek A. Combating the epidemic of loneliness in seniors. AgingCare. Updated March 2, 2020. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/loneliness-in-the-elderly-151549.htm
Google Scholar
^,
¹⁸
Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf
Google Scholar

4.
Talk with family about safe ways to do face-to-face visits through windows or patio doors. Once a week is recommended.
³
Fakoya O.
McCorry N.
Donnelly M.
Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.
BMC Public Health. 2020; 20: 129https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8251-6
Crossref

PubMed

Scopus (211)

Google Scholar
^,
¹⁶
Botek A. Combating the epidemic of loneliness in seniors. AgingCare. Updated March 2, 2020. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/loneliness-in-the-elderly-151549.htm
Google Scholar
^,
¹⁸
Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf
Google Scholar

5.
Provide resources listing agencies in the area that can help with transportation, respite care, meals on wheels, volunteer activities, other social activities or ways to connect with other seniors.
³
Fakoya O.
McCorry N.
Donnelly M.
Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.
BMC Public Health. 2020; 20: 129https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8251-6
Crossref

PubMed

Scopus (211)

Google Scholar
^,
¹⁶
Botek A. Combating the epidemic of loneliness in seniors. AgingCare. Updated March 2, 2020. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/loneliness-in-the-elderly-151549.htm
Google Scholar
^,
¹⁸
Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf
Google Scholar

6.
Promote positive thinking, meditation, appropriate physical exercise, and breathing exercises.
³
Fakoya O.
McCorry N.
Donnelly M.
Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.
BMC Public Health. 2020; 20: 129https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8251-6
Crossref

PubMed

Scopus (211)

Google Scholar
^,
¹⁶
Botek A. Combating the epidemic of loneliness in seniors. AgingCare. Updated March 2, 2020. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/loneliness-in-the-elderly-151549.htm
Google Scholar
^,
¹⁸
Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf
Google Scholar

7.
Ask if they have considered getting a pet if appropriate.
³
Fakoya O.
McCorry N.
Donnelly M.
Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.
BMC Public Health. 2020; 20: 129https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8251-6
Crossref

PubMed

Scopus (211)

Google Scholar
^,
¹⁶
Botek A. Combating the epidemic of loneliness in seniors. AgingCare. Updated March 2, 2020. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/loneliness-in-the-elderly-151549.htm
Google Scholar
^,
¹⁸
Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf
Google Scholar

8.
Provide education to staff and family that addresses attitudes and stereotypes about older adults with a goal to decrease ageism and shunning while increasing connecting with the older adult.
³
Fakoya O.
McCorry N.
Donnelly M.
Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.
BMC Public Health. 2020; 20: 129https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8251-6
Crossref

PubMed

Scopus (211)

Google Scholar
^,
¹⁶
Botek A. Combating the epidemic of loneliness in seniors. AgingCare. Updated March 2, 2020. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/loneliness-in-the-elderly-151549.htm
Google Scholar
^,
¹⁸
Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf
Google Scholar

9.
Provide and demonstrate how to use new technology – video apps, etc. so the older adult can connect with others via on-line video systems.
³
Fakoya O.
McCorry N.
Donnelly M.
Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews.
BMC Public Health. 2020; 20: 129https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8251-6
Crossref

PubMed

Scopus (211)

Google Scholar
^,
¹⁶
Botek A. Combating the epidemic of loneliness in seniors. AgingCare. Updated March 2, 2020. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/loneliness-in-the-elderly-151549.htm
Google Scholar
^,
¹⁸
Connections in Older Age. Measuring your impact on loneliness in later life. Campaign to EndLoneliness. Accessed July 15, 2020. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/wp-content/uploads/Loneliness-Measurement-Guidance1.pdf
Google Scholar

Open table in a new tab

During an ED visit, the nurses can help keep the older adult who complains of feeling lonely or socially isolated “connected” by spending some extra time talking with the patient and connecting the patient with family using technology (eg, video chatting applications Table 3). When it is again safe to do so, nurses can create a cadre of volunteers who can sit and visit with a lonely or isolated older adult during their ED visit. Emergency nurses can also maintain lists of senior events, ride-share programs, and other volunteer opportunities that can be shared with older adults. The nurses can also connect the lonely/isolated older adult with meals-on-wheels programs, senior centers, local churches, or other senior activities in their community that may help to keep them from feeling isolated or lonely. Some emergency departments make follow-up calls to check on patients seen in the department. This is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with the older adult and decrease that sense of loneliness or isolation. It is also recommended in the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation Criteria as a way to improve geriatric care.

²²

ACEP geriatric emergency department accreditation. Criteria for levels 1,2 &3. American College of Emergency Physicians. Accessed November 3, 2020. geda-criteria.pdf (acep.org), https://www.ACEP.org/globalassets/sites/geda/documnets/geda-criteria.pdf

Google Scholar

Table 3Apps for Mobile, Tablet or Desktop Video Chat

Apps for Mobile, Tablet or Desktop Video Chat ²⁵ Szlauderbach D. Computer technology brings grandparents and grandchildren together. aPlaceforMom. Published June 9, 2020. https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/computer-technology Google Scholar
Zoom
Skype
Facetime
Google Hangouts
Google Duo
WhatsApp
Facebook Messenger

Open table in a new tab

Emergency nurses should work with the ED provider to obtain a follow-up referral for the older adult who is at risk of being isolated or complains of being lonely. Emergency nurses should document information that validates the need for referrals and additional care on discharge. The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) Z codes include categories that capture social determinants of health and things that affect patient health but are not necessarily a specific disease or injury.

²³

2021 ICD-10-CM diagnosis code Z60.2: problems related to living alone. ICD10Data.com.

Google Scholar

^,

²⁴

ICD-10-CM coding for social determinants of health. EHealth Initiative. An eHealth initiative collaborative project. United Healthcare. 2019.

Google Scholar

“Problems related to living alone” (ICD-10-CM Z60.2) has been used to obtain additional services for the older adult who is lonely or isolated.

²³

2021 ICD-10-CM diagnosis code Z60.2: problems related to living alone. ICD10Data.com.

Google Scholar

²⁴

ICD-10-CM coding for social determinants of health. EHealth Initiative. An eHealth initiative collaborative project. United Healthcare. 2019.

Google Scholar

ICD-10-CM codes Z55 to Z65 identify additional socioeconomic or psychosocial circumstances (living alone, feeling lonely, mobility/communication issues, and so on) that may influence patient health status and provide validation for additional contact with other health services that can be helpful for the older adult who is lonely or socially isolated.

²³

2021 ICD-10-CM diagnosis code Z60.2: problems related to living alone. ICD10Data.com.

Google Scholar

²⁴

ICD-10-CM coding for social determinants of health. EHealth Initiative. An eHealth initiative collaborative project. United Healthcare. 2019.

Google Scholar

Although there are currently no rapid screening tools or long-term “fixes” for loneliness and social isolation in the emergency department, it is important for emergency nurses to ask a few pointed questions and identify the older adult patient with minimal social contacts or connections, physical limitations, and living situation that places them at risk of loneliness or social isolation. If seeing a risk, set into motion actions that will help the older adult be more connected, less isolated, less lonely, and ultimately healthier. These actions may not be the final “fix,” but they can be the first steps to correcting social isolation and the loneliness of aging.

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Biography

Joan Somes, Member, Greater Twin Cities Chapter, is a Critical Care Educator, Regions Hospital EMS, St. Paul, MN.

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Published online: March 10, 2021

Footnotes

Earn Up to 10.5 Hours. See page 507.

Section Editor: Joan Somes, PhD, RN-BC, CEN, CPEN, FAEN, NRP

For presubmission guidance, contact Joan Somes, PhD, RN-BC, CEN, CPEN, FAEN, NRP at: [email protected] Submit a manuscript directly to JEN.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jen.2020.12.009

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The Loneliness of Aging

Abstract

Key words

Risk Factors for Social Isolation and Loneliness

The Risks of Isolation and Loneliness

Screening Tools Looking for Social Isolation and Loneliness

Actions To Take When a Patient Is Lonely or Socially Isolated

What Can Emergency Nurses Do?

References

Biography

Article info

Publication history

Footnotes

Identification

Copyright

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