SVMC Community Health Needs Assessment 2021 - Catalog - Page 32
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The terms isolation and loneliness, though frequently used interchangeably, have been well-defined by
the National Institute of Aging:
•
•
social isolation is the objective physical separation from other people (living alone)
loneliness is the subjective distressed feeling of being alone or separated.25
While social isolation can be measured by quantifying an individual’s contacts with other individuals and
the world around them, loneliness can be assessed by asking an individual about their feelings and
perceptions. Because research has indicated that loneliness (not necessarily just social isolation) can be
as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day, understanding an individual’s perception of
their connectedness is potentially even more important than merely measuring the quantity of
connections. Particularly in older adults, loneliness is pervasive; 43% of seniors reported feeling lonely
on a daily basis nationwide. With this loneliness comes an increased risk of morbidity, such as
cardiovascular disease, as well as a remarkable 45% increased risk of mortality.26
90%
Survey Responses: Challenges Feeling Lonely or Isolated
n= 1,582
80%
70%
60%
50%
A major challenge
40%
Somewhat of a challenge
30%
A small challenge
20%
10%
0%
13-34 years
35-64 years
65+ years
Understanding that loneliness and isolation were a barrier to good health prior to the pandemic, SVMC’s
community survey included a question about this topic unrelated to COVID-19. Across all age groups, a
large majority of respondents indicated at least a small challenge with loneliness and isolation, and
nearly 20% of those aged 13 to 34 reported a major challenge. With 13-34 year olds faring worse
compared to older respondents in nearly all survey domains, addressing the feelings of loneliness in this
age cohort is of critical importance. Facilitating supportive, reliable social networks could unlock the
ability to begin influencing high rates of substance use and psychological distress in this age group.
25
Social Isolation, Loneliness in Older People Pose Health Risks. National Institute on Aging. Published April 23, 2019.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks
26 The “Loneliness Epidemic”. Health Resources & Services Administration. https://www.hrsa.gov/enews/pastissues/2019/january-17/loneliness-epidemic. Last Reviewed January 2019.
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
Community Health Needs Assessment 2021