Written by Rajvinder Singh
Last month, 211 LA received a Certificate of Recognition for our call center operations, which identified older adults who were likely to be experiencing social isolation through the 2-1-1 line, and for our creation of a digital communications toolkit that raised awareness on this growing issue for the 2024 Older Adult Social Isolation and Loneliness Awareness Campaign.
Seniors and older adults who reached out for support were met with the care of 211 LA community resource advisors. Thanks to them, 933 seniors participated in a UCLA Loneliness screening and agreed to be contacted by the Los Angeles Alliance for Community Health & Aging (LAACHA) for further assistance. During May and June, these seniors received 3,568 referrals to vital services, connecting them with resources to reduce the risk of social isolation and loneliness.
Historically, this awareness campaign has run exclusively in July. However, this year, the campaign was extended to include the months of May and June. This recognition celebrated the collaboration of 211 LA with the LA County Aging & Disabilities Department, LA County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles Alliance for Community Health & Aging, and the Los Angeles Social Isolation Impact Coalition.
The need to combat social isolation and loneliness grows as the population of older adults and disabled individuals increases; the United States Census Bureau reports that by 2030, all baby boomers will be older than age 65. This will expand the size of the older population so that 1 in every five residents in CA will be at retirement age. Older adults and Seniors need connections to health and human services, and 211 LA is equipped and experienced to meet this growing need.
As a county-wide leader in aging and disability support systems, 211 LA is the epicenter of various resources for aging adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families and caregivers. Our staff connects callers to County departments and community-based organizations tailored to their needs through our No Wrong Door Service Philosophy. With close to 50,000 programs and services in the 211 referral database, callers can be connected to the resources they need.
Why is Social Isolation and Loneliness Awareness Important? The National Library of Medicine defines social isolation as “a state in which the individual lacks a sense of belonging socially, lacks engagement with others, has a minimal number of social contacts, and is deficient in fulfilling and quality relationships,” while “loneliness” is described as “a discrepancy between a person’s desired and actual social relationships.” Although people of all ages can experience social isolation and loneliness, older adults are particularly vulnerable.
“Older adults are at increased risk for loneliness and social isolation because they are more likely to face factors such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and hearing loss.”
— U.S. Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
According to the National Academies of Sciences, social isolation increases the risk of premature death from all causes, potentially rivaling smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Social isolation has also been associated with a 50% increase in dementia.
211 LA supports aging adults and individuals with disabilities across Los Angeles County with comprehensive services in collaboration with the Central and South Los Angeles Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC), The Emerging Los Angeles County ADRC, AARP Ayudando Quien Ayuda (Helping the Helper), and through the service lines managed directly by 211 LA like Area Agency on Aging, LA Found, and Elder Abuse.
As we move forward, 211 LA will remain devoted to expanding our resources and enhancing the quality of life for those we serve, ensuring that no one in our community feels isolated or alone.
Know someone who needs extra support? Dial 2-1-1 or visit us at 211la.org.
