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Reducing Risk of Loneliness in Older Americans Focus of Home for the Holidays Campaign

With record-breaking numbers of Americans not only turning age 65, but also living longer than ever before, we are seeing a corresponding spike in the number of older adults who are socially isolated and lonely. 

Today, nearly 30 percent of older adults in the U.S. live alone, placing them at especially high risk of this problem. Given the Aging Network's mandate to provide services and supports to older adults to help them maintain their health and independence, we believe that the focus of this year's Eldercare Locator Home for the Holidays Campaign is especially relevant. 

The Home for the Holidays campaign is purposefully launched every year during the holiday season, a time when families gather in a relaxing environment conducive to discussing important topics that currently, or in the future, may affect an older loved one. The centerpiece of the campaign is a consumer brochure, “Expand Your Circles: Prevent Isolation and Loneliness as You Age,” which provides tips and resources to help reduce the risk. A toolkit containing all the components needed to launch a public education campaign in your community will also be provided. We will also work with the media to elevate this issue on a national stage. 

Recent campaigns featured publications highlighting a range of issues—Before You Give Up the Keys: Create a Roadmap for Transportation Independence, Brain Health: You Can Make a Difference and Let's Talk: Starting the Conversation about Health, Legal, Financial and End-of-Life Issues.
 
The campaign will launch in mid-November, so be on the lookout in the coming weeks for more information about how you can get involved.
 
 

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