By Stephany Ikpe

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines social isolation as lacking social connections and loneliness as feeling alone regardless of social contact.

Many older adults are at an increased risk of social isolation and loneliness due to the possibility of living alone, facing chronic illness and having lost family and friends. The CDC reports that loneliness and social isolation are linked to severe health conditions and can increase older adults’ risk for dementia.

If they feel lonely or isolated, the CDC recommends that older adults connect with national organizations such as AARP, the National Council on Aging, National Institute on Aging and Area Agencies on Aging.

Post-pandemic, there has been a strong focus to ensure aging adults get the interaction and socialization that keeps them healthy. We benefit from living in a world that grows daily with the use of technology and being able to combat social isolation for homebound individuals with access to technology.

Johnson County Aging and Human Services have focused on offering homebound older adult clients virtual classes. AHS has hosted and partnered with other departments and agencies in Johnson County to provide cooking, art and bird-watching virtual classes.

Clients are notified and offered live virtual courses as they become available.

The classes are recorded and available for anyone to access on the Johnson County Aging and Human Services website at jocogov.org/agingservices, selecting Area Agency on Aging, then AAA classes.

Stephany Ikpe is Nutrition Program manager at the Johnson County Department of Aging and Human Services.