One in six seniors are lonely or experiencing social isolation.
Older adults report good or excellent quality of life when they feel respected, are connected to each other and have access to resources they need. Social isolation can have a negative impact on physical health and mental well-being and is associated with a lower use of healthcare and an increased risk of mortality. Strong social support and connections can boost a person’s well-being and life span by 50%, according to Scientific American.
Older adults in the Lehigh Valley have reported that they would prefer to age in place – in the place where they raised their family, managed their careers, built their life, had their home.
As we age, there is a tendency to overlook the contributions that the older members of our community have made and can still make. Older adults want to be included and engaged and we want the same for them. Our community benefits when all residents are engaged and connected. Individuals with strong social networks enjoy an increased quality of life and tend to believe that they still have a place in society. Those with a network tend to recover more quickly from emergencies or crises. Equity, access and inclusion are human rights and not to be debated because someone is older.
Social Connections Key to Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley
On a Sunday afternoon in May, 72-year-old Carol Gonzalez heard a knock on her door. It was Mother’s Day, more than a year into the pandemic, and when she opened it, Carol found Nika waiting outside with bouquet of flowers. “Oh, you are so thoughtful!” Carol cried as she wrapped Nika in a big hug.
Though Carol lives alone, she’s created a sense of community through working full-time, remaining active in civic engagement and volunteering with organizations like Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, where she met Nika.
“Girl Scouts has enriched my life, because it allows me to transfer skills, knowledge, morals and values to the younger generation. I have been able to watch them mature into go-getters, innovators, risk takers and leaders. Most of all, I show them love and respect which I get back tenfold,” said Carol.
“They also keep me young,” she added. “Being an older adult in the Lehigh Valley doesn’t have to be boring and lonely. It can be fun and rewarding if you reach outside of yourself and get involved.”
That’s why Carol’s involved with Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley, a coalition led by United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley dedicated to building a community where everyone has the opportunity to age successfully.
“Carol’s such a great example of how an age-friendly community builds intergenerational connections that make all residents feel safe, included and supported. They keep individuals socially connected and engaged in community life and they enhance opportunities to be healthy and active,” said Carmen Bell, Director of Healthy Aging for United Way.
Bell adds that the recent pandemic exacerbated a growing issue among the region’s older adults. A new survey of Lehigh Valley seniors reveals that one in four respondents report that they lack companionship and one in six report feeling isolated from others. Older adults who are chronically lonely live shorter lives and are more likely to have problems with memory, mental health and physical health.
“That’s why we’re prioritizing social inclusion and participation in our Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley action plan,” said Bell.
At the height of the pandemic, Bell and her team at United Way worked with partners and volunteers to contact approximately 2,000 seniors at risk of loneliness or isolation due to senior center closures.
“I’ve always been an active and involved person and being a part of the ‘Y’ has given me a great sense of community. I love interacting with everyone here.”
Johanna
Slate Belt Resident
Community Hubs serve as a gathering space that connects older adults to resources that can increase their quality of life.
Adult day services provide places for older adults to go for socialization and engagement in a safe and supervised environment.
Empower yourself or your loved ones with free tools and resources to stay connected to our community in a meaningful way.
In the News
Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference: Informing, Inspiring, and Driving Action
Photo Gallery: The Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference brought over 100 attendees together to hear from impactful speakers, learn more about United Way’s Healthy Aging work and inspire action to create a more livable community for all ages.
