Resources for Practitioners

How health care providers can help reduce the adverse health impacts of social isolation and loneliness.

In 2010, AARP conducted a national survey of U.S. adults age 45 and older to better understand loneliness among midlife and older adults. Since the survey’s release, the field has evolved and AARP Foundation’s focus has expanded to include social isolation.

With older Americans at higher risk for social isolation, science may have a treatment.

Outside-the-box solutions for the health hazard impacting older Americans.

One-third of Americans who don’t drive and many others who lack access to a working vehicle, transportation options don’t come easy—especially in rural America, where transportation has long been a seemingly intractable problem. The technology revolution is showing potential to help solve that problem and enable more Americans to take part in the economic and social lives of their communities.

On June 15, the United Nations observes the less publicized World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, focusing attention on the hidden tragedy of abuse, neglect and exploitation of elderly people throughout the world.

It is estimated that there are approximately 2.7 million LGBT adults aged 50 and older in the United States, 1.1 million of whom are 65 and older. Understanding Issues Facing LGBT Older Adults provides an overview of their unique needs and experiences so that service providers, advocates, the aging network, and policymakers can consider these factors when serving this population or passing laws that impact older adults and the LGBT community.

New research that examines the vicious circle of social isolation also points to the evolutionary origins of loneliness, and a way for people to escape it.

Older single women aren’t looking for love. They’re looking for a roommate. Blessed with longer life expectancy, but often with less money in the bank, female retirees are turning to each other as a way to make ends meet and find companionship.