Globally, health care is undergoing a transformation driven by the rapid aging of populations.
By 2034, one in five Americans will be aged 65 or older, surpassing the number of children for the first time in U.S. history. This demographic shift brings new opportunities and new challenges for our health systems, communities and families.
One of the most pressing challenges is loneliness among older adults.
As Dr. Sarita Mohanty, President and CEO of the SCAN Foundation, shared on The SAS Health Pulse Podcast, “Loneliness among older adults isn’t just an emotional experience, it’s a public health issue.”
Did you know?: Over one-third of adults over the age of 45 report experiencing loneliness.
Why is loneliness so harmful?
Loneliness can lead to depression, anxiety, cognitive decline and increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The risks are so severe that public health leaders now rank loneliness alongside obesity and smoking as a major threat to well-being. Dr. Mohanty points out that our systems often fail older adults because they aren’t designed with their lived experiences in mind. Many seniors live alone, far from family and lack the support networks that younger people rely on.
Understanding loneliness: Health, social and cultural dimensions
Is loneliness a cultural problem, a health care issue, or something else? Dr. Mohanty believes it is all the above. “It’s a false dichotomy to separate health care from cultural and social challenges,” she says, “In many societies, older adults are more likely to be placed in care homes rather than supported to live independently. This can lead to feelings of abandonment and loss of purpose.”
Policies and programs must evolve to enable seniors to age with dignity and connection, whether at home or in their communities. Dr. Mohanty advocates for system-level responses: better infrastructure, stronger community ties, and funding that supports aging in place.
Technology brings promise and pitfalls
Technology offers hope, wearables that track health, social apps that foster connection, but technology must be designed with seniors in mind. “Tech adoption among older adults is growing rapidly, but it needs to be adaptable and responsive to their unique needs”, states Dr. Mohanty, “some health plans now offer ‘geek squads’ to help seniors set up devices, ensuring they can use technology effectively.”
What can we do?
Dr. Mohanty’s advice is simple but powerful: “Focus on the things that give you joy, love, and support. Communities need to step up and create support systems for older adults. Emotional, mental, and spiritual health are just as important as physical health.”
As we approach the next decade, the aging population will reshape our society. Addressing loneliness among seniors will require a multi-pronged approach, combining better infrastructure, stronger community ties, thoughtful technology and policies that put people first.
