PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A recent survey found that 1 in 3 seniors in the commonwealth live in isolation.
The survey, conducted by Life Insurance Agency Choice Mutual, noted that after holiday festivities ended, seniors included in the survey had no contact with anyone after Jan. 1.
When survey respondents were asked if anyone had checked in on them since that date, 26% said no, and 29% of seniors living alone said they don’t even have one person they can confide in during difficult times. In addition, 74% said loneliness is at its worst in the winter, and more than half worry that their loneliness is already harming their health.
The United States Surgeon General’s office continues to treat the loneliness epidemic as a major public health crisis. Research shows it can increase the risk of premature death, even as much as heavy smoking. The office indicates that social connection is a critical contributor to individual and population health.