Hawthorne Press Tribune
Herald Publications - El Segundo, Hawthorne, Lawndale & Inglewood Community Newspapers Since 1911 - (310) 322-1830 - Vol. 62, No. 53 - December 31, 2020
Mayor Alex Vargas Visits One of
Hawthorne’s Newest Restaurants
Hawthorne’s newest addition to its culinary delight is Fishbone Seafood Restaurant. They serve good Cajun style seafood that is fried or grilled with a variety of choices for sides. Come down and support our new neighbor. Photo courtesy Mayor Alex Vargas.
Seniors
Study: Social Isolation Among Seniors Is
Widespread, But These Resources Can Help
(BPT) - Because of the pandemic, we’ve
all experienced social isolation - the loss of
close contact with family and friends. We’re
feeling that isolation even more acutely during
the winter season, when we typically get
together with those we love.
For older adults who have had to take extra
isolating precautions against exposure to
COVID-19, these losses have been magnified,
and in many cases, they’re layered on top of
longstanding disconnections.
With 36% of adults in America age 50 or older
and 17% over 65, it’s reasonable to assume that
social isolation is widespread. A recent survey
of U.S. adults conducted by AARP Foundation
and the United Health Foundation confirms
it: The study found that two-thirds of respondents
are experiencing social isolation, with nearly
that number feeling more anxiety because of
the pandemic. The consequences are disturbing.
“Social isolation has reached epidemic
proportions during the pandemic,” says AARP
Foundation President Lisa Marsh Ryerson.
“Decades of research on prolonged social
isolation and loneliness show that it’s worse
for health than obesity, and as damaging to
health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.”
The survey also reveals that most isolated
older adults are not asking others for assistance,
perhaps because they don’t realize help is
available.
If you or a loved one are experiencing
social isolation, whether it’s COVID-related
or a daily reality that was already present,
here are some important facts to know based
on the AARP Foundation/United Health
Foundation survey - followed by tips that
can help increase social connection.
Few have sought help about their feelings.
Of those reporting social isolation during
the pandemic, 50% say it has affected their
motivation, 41% report greater anxiety and
37% have experienced feelings of depression.
Yet only 11% have turned to medical
professionals to help address these concerns,
and nearly a third haven’t sought help from
anyone.
Women are more susceptible than men.
Women 50 and older are more than twice
as likely as men to feel overwhelmed as a
result of the pandemic. Forty-six percent of
women in that age bracket have felt anxious
(compared to 36% of men), and 50% have
felt stressed (compared to 40% of men).
Twenty-nine percent of women 50 or older
have gone for as long as three months without
interacting with others outside their homes
See Seniors, page 8
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WE WISH EVERYONE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON.
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