Lack of social engagement can be hazardous to your health
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
The importance of social engagement
Tue, November 12, 2024, at 11am
Robyn Birkeland
Study interventionist and coach
Families and Long Term Care, UMN School of Public Health
Event to be held via Zoom.
Robyn Birkeland, PhD, is 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 provides coaching support to family care partners and individuals with memory loss. She also delivers presentations and participates in various community outreach events and initiatives.
In her presentation for UMRA’s Living Well Workshop via Zoom at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 12, Birkeland will explore loneliness and the importance of meaningful activities and social engagement for older adults. She will also consider barriers to social engagement, and discuss ways to encourage and promote well-being and living safely.
In addition, Birkeland will share information about the SPH Home Alone program, a research study for older adults with memory concerns who are living alone. The focus of the program is on home safety and social engagement for adults 55 and over who do not live in a residential setting that provides care and services.
Home Alone study participants work with a trained Home Alone coach in seven weekly sessions, each lasting about one hour. Coaches share strategies for lifestyle planning and increasing activity and social engagement. The coaching sessions are delivered via telehealth secure video conferencing or by phone, with select in-home sessions available to those who live near the U of M Twin Cities campus.
For more information about the study, including how to enroll as a participant, go to sph.umn.edu > Research > Research Projects and Studies > Home Alone.
Birkeland earned her bachelor’s in psychology from Rollins College and master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from the University of South Florida. She has nearly 25 years of experience providing counseling to adults and families.
Register today for this free Zoom webinar at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 12.
—Diane Young, UMRA president elect and Program Committee chair
Upcoming Events
Nanette leads a trail of two cities hike.
10:30 a.m. check in; 10:45 boarding; cruise from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join UMRA friends and colleagues for a summer cruise and lunch aboard the Paradise Destiny II on beautiful Lake Minnetonka. Paul Maravelas, sailor, historian, and author of The History of Big Island, Lake Minnetonka will join us to share stories from 200+ years of lake-dwellers. Come early or stay after the cruise to explore Excelsior, a charming small town on the big lake.
Ticket price includes lunch: chef's sandwich, garden salad, fruit, chips, and cookies. Coffee, iced tea, and lemonade are complimentary and there will be a cash bar for other beverages. A vegetarian sandwich can be selected during registration.
UMRA’s Book Club I will discuss the debut novel Buckeye by Patrick Ryan when it meets via Zoom at 2 pm. on Friday, August 21.
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