Isolation and Loneliness Require Activities and Social Connectedness as the Antidote

More than one year ago, the novel coronavirus plagued the United States and forced its community members to shelter-in-place. Like other states, California implemented strict social distancing measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Walls separate us from our families and friends, forcing us to converse over our screens. But, millions of seniors remained parties of one during this pandemic. Without the required technical skill or technology, it is difficult to remain connected, and thus the lack of skill can undermine someone’s motivation to maintain connection.

Depressive symptoms like loneliness, anger, and low energy can get in the way of feeling motivated. However, depression—and its symptoms—is a treatable disease! People can find help with addressing their motivations through the Mental Health Association of San Francisco’s PROPEL program, where PROPEL staff can help older adults and seniors flesh out a plan of action, especially as the program now expands its work to the older adult and senior populations.

According to California’s Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS), there are nearly 30% of older adults in San Francisco who live alone. When seniors are isolated and lonely, their health consequences are severe. Social isolation involves having a limited number of social ties, and loneliness amplifies feelings of sadness when individuals are alone. Both conditions raise the risk of mortality by more than a quarter, while heightening the risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has implemented social distancing strategies crucial to limiting the spread of the virus, but has also contributed to this isolation of older adults and seniors.

For the Fourth Annual Older Adults Mental Health Awareness Day, PROPEL interviewed four staff members to talk about how they prevent the detrimental effects of loneliness and social isolation:

Keep Connections

“The one thing [we] need is connections,” CW Johnson, a long-time MHASF staff member and peer advocate, said. “People just assume that you have family and friends, but what people don’t realize is how lonely and disconnected people can get, especially older adults and seniors.” Spending more time with family, friends, and various communities provides an opportunity for deeper connections, especially during an era of social distancing. Now that people have more time on their hands, there is an opportunity to connect with older loved ones.

Peter Murphy, the Mental Health Association of San Francisco’s Outreach Manager, states, “Communication in any way to keep people connected to strong ties, whether it’s friends or other community members, can foster a sense of community.” The use of technology has skyrocketed during the pandemic, including numerous social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. However, many older adults may not be familiar with these technologies. “Even with technology, regular contact to warmlines and phone calls can be the most helpful to older adults to remain plugged in,” said Murphy.

Maintain Basic Needs and Healthy Activities

Help older adults and seniors meet their basic needs—family members and caregivers have an essential role in helping support older adults and seniors with access to food, medication, safe shelter, and financial obligations, especially for those who live alone.

“A friend of mine was this active guy, who was very involved in the community,” said Johnson. “But now, [he] sits in his room smoking weed and eating all day. He stopped doing what he’s supposed to be doing and then had experienced mental and physical decline. You know, you have to be aware of medications because there are some that you could be easily addicted to.”

Finding a purpose for every single day is life-saving. Elizabeth Barr, MHASF’s Peer Coach with in-depth knowledge and experience in hoarding and cluttering, said, “When [I] was a young girl, my great-grandmother born in the 1800s, told me ‘Keep your conscience clean, and you will always feel happy.’ I live by that each day — when you live life ethically, respectfully, and meaningfully, I can lay my head on my pillow each night without concern.” Reflections like Barr’s can affirm a path that provides meaning to life, especially during the pandemic. Refocusing one’s mindset can also help older adults and seniors engage in healthy activities. Marilyn Timms, CalHOPE Peer Counselor and great-grandmother of 12 said, “Focusing our hearts and minds to see that you’re blessed because you get to age is a way for you to see the fruits of your labor. You see your children and grandchildren grow, so enjoy it!”

Manage Emotions and Other Mental Health Symptoms

Managing emotions and other mental health symptoms can be challenging to track, especially if people are not aware of the signs. “Folks who may never have experienced severe mental health problems may find it hard to know if they have [mental health] problems because of loneliness and isolation,” said Murphy. “If this is new, they may not know how to deal.” The pandemic is stressful for everyone in San Francisco, but there is significant stress for vulnerable older adults and seniors. “[I’m] lucky that even though I have diabetes and mental health stuff, I’m still working and connected to a community,” said Johnson, “and I know my community will help me manage my mental health.”

Emotional support for family members and friends is critical during this unprecedented time, but one should not hesitate to seek help as well. The Mental Health Association of San Francisco runs two 24/7 Warm Lines, and the Institute on Aging has its Friendship Line specifically serving the older adult, elderly, and disabled populations.

Social isolation and loneliness can feel insurmountable for older adults. Still, there are strategies to reduce those effects through strengthening connections, maintaining basic needs, engaging in healthy activities, and managing emotions. If enough of us take the time to see and reach out to people in our lives who are struggling with loss, depression, anxiety, or, yes, loneliness, we can make meaningful connections that will improve lives.

For more information on PROPEL, please contact Claribette Del Rosario, Peer Programs Manager, at claribette@mentalhealthsf.org or call/text 510-630-9868.

The mission of the Mental Health Association of San Francisco is to cultivate peer leadership, build community, and advance social justice in mental health.