E18 - The Need for Meaningful Connection: Addressing Older Adult Social Isolation and Loneliness

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Location: 309, Level 2, LACC

None of the planners/faculty, unless otherwise noted, for this educational activity have relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Relias, LLC and National Council for Mental Wellbeing guarantee this educational conference is free from bias.

Workshop Presenter(s)

Laura Leone, DSW, MSSW, LMSW (she/her/hers)

Consultant
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Plymouth, Massachusetts

Slides
Nicole Cadovius, BS, MBA, MSM

Director, Strategic Programs | Mental Health First Aid
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Sherman, Connecticut

Being socially disconnected or perceiving the absence of companionship and support can have a large effect on health and mortality risk, including suicidality, for older adults. We will explore factors that lead to experiences of loneliness, determine how both physical and emotional health can be influenced and discuss ways to improve meaningful connections and support to improve outcomes and life satisfaction for older adults.

Learning Objectives:

Recognize the differences between social isolation and loneliness and their overall impact.
Identify the risk and protective factors that are associated with social isolation and loneliness in older adults.
Demonstrate ways to develop and improve older adult social connections and support.