Loneliness is a subjective feeling determined by personality and temperament. On the other hand, social isolation is an objective condition from which serious physical and mental health issues can evolve. Social engagement is shown to play a key role in alleviating the latter. 

These insights were delivered during UMRA’s November 2024 Living well Workshop by Robyn Birkeland, PhD, a study interventionist and coach with the Families and Long-Term Care Projects team at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH). She is part of the Home Alone Study, focusing on loneliness and social isolation and social engagement behaviors in older adults with memory concerns who are living alone. 

Birkeland shared that life transitions including retirement, moving, and illness or death of a partner can impact social engagement. One’s own evolving physical limitations also play a role. She highlighted that the most effective social engagements are ones that align with an individual’s values. 

Barriers to social engagement are diverse. Physical, cognitive, financial, and societal barriers can be different for individuals located in rural settings versus an urban setting.  Also, lack of personal motivation along with an unwillingness to ask for help, or accept it when offered, can be barriers. 

The role of technology is promising as tolerance of technology grows and research in artificial intelligence results in devices easier to use. For example, the GrandPad is a touchscreen tablet computer designed for older adults who are not tech savvy. 

Promoting well-being and living safely

Phase I of the Home Alone Study is complete. But Phase II is still recruiting participants for a six-month study to identify social engagement behaviors and “values-aligned activities”—activities that give a person meaning, enjoyment, and energy. Study participants work with a trained Home Alone coach in seven weekly sessions. Sessions promote well-being and living safely. Coaches share strategies for lifestyle planning and increasing meaningful activity. Visit the Home Alone webpage to learn more, including how to contact SPH about participating.

Join or Die

Another resource recommended by Birkeland is the 2024 documentary film Join or Die, an entertaining portrayal of America’s social unraveling over the last half-century through the eyes of renown social scientist and Bowling Alone author Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking research into America's decline in community connections and social health could hold some of the answers to our democracy's present crisis. The film is available for streaming on Netflix. 

—Diane Young, UMRA president-elect and Program Committee chair