By Karen Brown, CEO of iAging in Arvada and a writer for Aging2.0 in Denver
Social isolation and loneliness contribute to $75 billion in preventable healthcare costs in the U.S. annually. The feeling of being alone in this world, disconnected from friends and family, increases our risk of everything from dementia to cancer.
Given that one-third of the nation is aging alone, social isolation and loneliness are becoming a healthcare epidemic on par with obesity or smoking. In fact, study after study has found that loneliness is lethal as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Researchers who have dedicated their lives to fighting cancer, dementia and other devastating diseases are now turning their attention to the role loneliness plays in Researchers who have dedicated their lives to fighting cancer, dementia and other devastating diseases are now turning their attention to the role loneliness plays in our health. Finding solutions to this issue are critical to improving the lives of many older people.
That is precisely what Element3 Health does. And that is why Aging2.0 Denver Chapter is hosting a webinar to highlight the ways in which Element3 Health improves lives and reduces social isolation.
Element3Health has pictures and testimonials of people who are deeply engaged in their growing network of engaged and connected older adults. Some of these people sew, some play cards, some are avid hikers or gourmet cooks. While their interests and geography vary, these members all have one thing in common: They are the faces of healthy aging.
One of the testimonials and pictures in their office that I got to see was Jerry, a man in his 70s who lost his social connections during retirement. By starting a pickle-ball group in the Element3 Health network, Jerry created connections that have renewed his purpose and brought joy to his life.
Fighting the costly, lethal scourge of loneliness requires staying active – physically, mentally and socially. Element3 Health’s platform and network combine community, passion and three levels of activity as a solution worth diving into.
Image credit: Element3 Health