The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) ConnectCenter has published a piece on “Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Adults with Vision Loss,” with extensive data about loneliness and recommendations for staying connected. Loneliness and isolation are associated with greater risks for health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, weakened immune function, depression, obesity, and more. “Older adults who are blind or (have) low vision, especially with dual sensory impairments, are at greater risk of social isolation and loneliness because their sensory loss impairs their ability to maintain connectedness.” Interventions that can address the risk include social facilitation (with technology, for example), exercise, animal therapy, health and social services, to name a few. For additional details, ways to address the issue, and information about other resources, read the APH ConnectCenter article on Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Adults and Their Relationship to Vision Loss.
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