| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2025 MEDIA CONTACT: Debra McCarron Senior Communications Advisor, Foundation for Social Connection Action Network (410) 371-8948 | debra@social-connection.org |
| Social Isolation Expert: Nearly 1 in 3 Older Adults Feel Isolated—A Crisis Threatening Public Health Andrew MacPherson, Founder and Executive Chair of the Foundation for Social Connection Action Network, Testifies to U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging that Social Isolation and Loneliness Increases Risk of Dementia, Heart Disease and Stroke WASHINGTON, D.C. – Fresh off spotlighting the growing crisis of loneliness among older adults before a U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging entitled, “Breaking the Cycle of Senior Loneliness: Strengthening Family and Community Support” last week, Andrew MacPherson, Founder and Executive Chair of the Foundation for Social Connection Action Network (F4SCAN) — one of our nation’s leading advocacy and community organization’s dedicated to advancing policies and initiatives strengthening social ties and threatening social isolation and loneliness – today released top five key evidence-based policy solutions and recommendations to address the crisis. “The crisis of loneliness among our nation’s seniors is not only a grave threat to their health, but also to the overall well-being of our society,” said Andrew MacPherson, Founder and Executive Chair of the Foundation for Social Connection Action Network (F4SCAN). “The Action Network has been, and will continue to be, at the forefront of identifying solutions to this pressing issue, while collaborating with policymakers on a broad range of federal initiatives threatening the public health crisis of social isolation. While significant progress has been made through legislation and programming, much more remains to be done. We are committed to leading the charge in addressing this epidemic and ensuring that our seniors receive the support they desperately need.” #1: Strengthen Federal Programs to Address Loneliness Among Older Adults To address loneliness as a public health issue, we support the former Surgeon General’s recommendation to take a “Connection in All Policies” approach, recognizing that every sector of society is relevant to social connection. Passing the SENIOR Act—adding “loneliness” to the Older Americans Act—will direct funds to strengthen social connections for older adults.The Older Americans Act (OAA) is crucial for supporting aging services, but current demand exceeds available resources. Increasing funding for OAA nutrition programs can transform congregate meal sites into community hubs, promoting both physical health and social connection. Strengthening support for senior centers, libraries, and multi-use spaces will offer structured opportunities for socialization to enhance well-being. Targeted funding for rural aging interventions is also essential to combat isolation in underserved areas. Expanding initiatives like the Administration for Community Living’s Commit to Connect program and supporting peer-based, volunteer, and faith-based companionship models will address loneliness, improve mental health, and help seniors thrive in all areas of life. #2: Expand Intergenerational Programs Intergenerational initiatives, such as shared housing programs, mentorship opportunities, and community volunteer projects, have proven to reduce loneliness across both older and younger generations. A recent Generations United study found that 92% of Americans believe these programs help alleviate loneliness. Evidence-based strategies, including designing environments that promote social interaction, scaling community programs that unite age groups, and investing in local institutions as intergenerational hubs, are key to strengthening these bonds. Increasing funding for such programs will enhance community cohesion, mental well-being, and support the Committee’s goals of promoting health, income security, and productive activity for older adults. These initiatives foster empathy, reduce loneliness, and contribute to a more inclusive, supportive society. #3: Promote Digital Inclusion and Technology Access While technology has great potential to reduce social isolation, its adoption among older adults remains limited. Pew Research shows that 55% of Americans aged 65 and older do not use social media, and nearly 22 million lack broadband access. To bridge this gap, prioritizing digital literacy training and expanding affordable broadband access, especially in rural and underserved areas, is crucial. Older adults who use technology for support are more likely to seek in-person help, highlighting the importance of combining digital and physical connections. Telehealth, assistive devices, online support groups, and expanded broadband can enhance social connectivity, improve healthcare relationships, and foster community cohesion. Updating the 2010 National Broadband Plan to address the needs of low-income, rural, and isolated populations, along with expanding federal digital literacy programs to include cybersecurity education, will ensure older adults can navigate online spaces safely and effectively combat social isolation. #4: Enhance Medicare’s Role in Addressing Loneliness Medicare plays a vital role in supporting the health of older adults and can do more to address the growing issue of loneliness and social isolation. One effective strategy would be to require Medicare Annual Wellness Visits to include screenings for social isolation, allowing providers to identify at-risk individuals and connect them with appropriate interventions. Ensuring that Medicare Advantage plans have sufficient rebate dollars to offer tailored benefits, such as social engagement programs and transportation assistance, is also crucial. Expanding Medicare’s coverage to include interventions like counseling and peer support services, as well as improving access to hearing aids, would help reduce isolation and improve communication. These steps would make Medicare a more comprehensive solution, providing both physical and social-emotional support for older adults. #5: Improve Transportation Access Reliable transportation is a crucial bridge to social connection, helping to combat loneliness, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in rural, isolated areas. It connects people to parks, community activities, cultural institutions, and visits with loved ones, offering vital social engagement. For those with lower incomes, affordable transportation eases the burden of choosing between basic needs and social activities. Studies show that increased use of public transportation, especially among seniors, reduces feelings of loneliness and depression. To address this, transportation planners should prioritize accessible, affordable transit, walkable networks, and improved air quality. Policymakers should also establish a Senior Mobility Program through the Federal Transit Administration to incentivize cities to enhance public transport options, such as subsidized ride-sharing and accessible bus routes. Improving access to non-emergency medical and non-medical transportation further enhances social connections, healthcare access, and overall quality of life. Ultimately, transportation is a vital tool for fostering social inclusion and supporting well-being. To Interview and Discuss Social Isolation and Loneliness of Older Americans with Andrew MacPherson, Please Contact Debbie McCarron at debra@social-connection.org MacPherson’s testimony before Congress came while at the same time the F4SCAN released its bold 2025 Policy Agenda and Roadmap. Its mission has been to create a diverse coalition of national organizations, including consumer groups, health plans, health care providers, technology innovators, and patient advocates, with the goal of developing and advocating for federal policy solutions that address the epidemic of social isolation and loneliness. Our efforts encompass a wide range of activities, from legislative and programmatic advocacy to public awareness campaigns that integrate research and evidence. |
