Photo: Andy Fisher via Flickr
We know social isolation and loneliness are detrimental to health, particularly among the older adult population. It’s a problem that seems to be getting worse, according to this recent report from Pew Research.
It found that, on average, U.S. adults over age 60 spend more than half of their waking hours alone and for those who live by themselves, that’s as much as 10 hours a day, compared with about half that rate for people in their 40s and 50s. Continue reading
Photo: D.K. Baric via Flickr
Aging and health issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender baby boomers have often been ignored by services, policies and research. However, these seniors face higher rates of disability, physical and mental distress and a lack of access to services, according to a new study on aging and health in these communities.
An analysis by a University of Washington researcher concluded that prevention and intervention strategies must be developed to address the unique needs of these seniors, whose numbers are expected to double to more than four million by 2030. Continue reading
Photo: Deborah Crowe/AHCJMeals on Wheels America CEO Ellie Hollander talked about the benefits of the program beyond providing nutritious meals.
Ellie Hollander wants to see every older adult live out their lives independently, in their own homes. But, the president and chief executive officer of Meals on Wheels America acknowledges that it may be an impossible goal, given the overwhelming need and current political climate.
Hollander was the speaker at the AHCJ Awards Luncheon on Saturday, April 22, at Health Journalism 2017, where she spoke about the overwhelming need to address senior hunger in the United States. Continue reading