By: Dr. Adrienne Hunter-Green – “Dr. A”
Regional Educator
According to the National Institute on Aging [NIA] social isolation and loneliness do not always go together. About 28 percent of older adults in the United States, or 13.8 million people, live alone, according to a study done by the Administration for Community Living’s Administration on Aging of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Many of these older adults do not feel lonely or socially isolated.
What is interesting is some may feel lonely despite being surrounded by family and friends. Research has linked social isolation and loneliness, higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions. These can vary from an array of physical and mental health issues. Some of these health issues noted are obesity, high-blood pressure, heart disease in addition to cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, depression and sadly death.
What can be done as an intervention of social isolation and loneliness for our aging population? Suggestions as we march into the spring season, start a new hobby, join a gym, participate in extension, community center or local library activities. Some may offer lunch Monday – Friday and others may offer monthly food distribution, gardening fairs or health education.
In the month of February at the Lincoln University Caruthersville Extension Office they held their monthly food distribution sign up with the assistance of Caruthersville Food Pantry.
Caruthersville Food Pantry is a branch of the Southeast Missouri Pantry based in Sikeston, Missouri. Dr. Adrienne A. Hunter-Green, Family and Community Consumer Science Program, with the assistance of Dolores Williams, senior worker, hosted a symposium for the older adults.
The focus was, “We all are Black History and have a story”. Some of the older adults who participated attended the Central High School in Hayti, MO and others attended the Washington High School where the Lincoln University Cooperative Extension in Caruthersville currently sits.
The participants were able to share their experiences before integration of schools. The older adults as well as community had the opportunity to participate in a Painting with a Purpose class hosted by LU Staff person, George Demyers II. In addition, an educational display and presentation was provided by Ms. Mary Pollock on her experiences and success developing and maintaining her high tunnel in Hayti Heights, MO. As the weather is getting warmer and the flowers are blooming, and the pollinators are out pollinating, I encourage everyone to become a little more adventurous. Let’s march into spring and see what is buzzing around us.
