NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Gov. Kathy Hochul joined forces with sexpert Dr. Ruth Westheimer, New York’s Ambassador to Loneliness, to make a PSA providing holiday tips to New Yorkers about combatting social isolation.
First and foremost: Hochul and Dr. Ruth encourage all New Yorkers to check on neighbors and loved ones who are isolated or may be in crisis.
“For those fortunate enough to be with their families, make a point to reach out to your friends, and neighbors, and coworkers who might be struggling or alone,” Hochul said in the PSA.
Social isolation is defined as having a lack of social connections, while loneliness is the feeling of being alone, the governor’s office reminds New Yorkers.
According to a 2020 study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, almost a fourth of adults over 65 are considered socially isolated, and more than a third of adults over 45 experience loneliness.
The study demonstrates that these issues manifest in ones's health and significantly increase the risk of premature death from all causes. Social isolation is associated with a 50% increase in dementia risk, and poor social relationships are associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and 32% increased risk of stroke.
“It’s very difficult to admit – even to your family, your children or your spouse – that you are feeling lonely,” Dr. Ruth said in the PSA, promising to deliver more strategies to combat loneliness as she continues to serve in her ambassador role.
In addition to appointing Dr. Ruth as the first loneliness ambassador, Hochul has also been working with the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOA) on programs aimed at fighting social isolation in older adults.
The agency has rolled out a series of technology-forward programs that provide seniors with more interaction and lessen the effects of social isolation, including the animatronic pet program and the rollout of an AI-powered pilot program that achieved a 95% reduction in loneliness in its first year of launch by providing older New Yorkers with an AI-friend, ElliQ, to engage with.
"For many, the holiday season is a time of family gatherings, but it can also be a time when people may feel especially alone, especially as individuals are more likely to withdraw from social activities during the colder months,” NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen said. “NYSOFA is working with national partners to offer many tools and innovations that can help older adults and caregivers. There are also practical ways that we can all do our part."
In Nov., Hochul signed legislation S.5907 which would direct the NYSOFA to study the amount of adults living in naturally occurring retirement communities with social isolation and/or loneliness, and assess the existent programs targeting the issue.
“The loneliness epidemic is real, causing negative health impacts for seniors, children and New Yorkers of all ages,” Hochul said. “We have many resources available for those who may struggle with social isolation, and together with my friend Ambassador Ruth we'll make sure New Yorkers know they have somewhere to turn.”
Anyone in need of support should reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Hotline by dialing 988 or the anonymous Crisis Text Line by texting “Got5” to 741-741.