Title: Health impact and proposed solution for loneliness among older adults living in congregate living settings
Abstract:
Loneliness is an increasingly recognized public health issue, especially among the elderly, where it contributes to decline in both physical and mental health. In the geriatric population, loneliness is associated with increased risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular disease, falls, and overall mortality. Loneliness in congregate care settings is often exacerbated by residents' loss of physical mobility, death of spouses, removal of the individual from their neighborhood and community, and reduced autonomy. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these issues, reducing social and recreational activities and leading to heightened feelings of isolation. To address this, a quality improvement project was implemented at Providence Brookside Mannor Senior Living, in Hood River Oregon. This projected aimed to reduce loneliness through the introduction of an intergenerational program. These programs pair elderly residents with children or youth from the local community, promoting meaningful social engagement and providing both generations with opportunities for connection and mutual support. Data for this project was collected using the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS), a validated tool for measuring loneliness levels. Higher scores on this scale indicate greater levels of reported loneliness. Pre- and post-intervention data were gathered to evaluate changes in loneliness levels among residents. This project aimed not only to improve the emotional well-being of residents but also to foster a sense of community, belonging, and purpose within the facility.
