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ElderCare Update in South Florida...ElderCare Update in South Florida...ElderCare Update in South

Using Technology to Combat Social Isolation Among Older Adults

Researchers have found of Elder Affairs, in 2018 tance online and about half met their Communication Center to offer more
that loneliness can be just more than 110,000 online friends in person. courses with graduated skill levels and
as lethal as smoking 15 cig- Broward seniors over The study also found that adults who increase these services to meet the needs
arettes per day. A recent the age of 60 live alone. communicate with friends via email, text of historically underserved populations,
joint study from Harvard, South Florida Institute or online/video messaging are less likely such as seniors who are Spanish-speak-
Stanford and AARP on Aging’s own research to say they are lonely than those who ing, veterans and members of the LGBT
revealed that Medicare shows that Broward sen- rarely or never do. community.
spends approximately $134 iors face challenges with Last year, the South Florida Institute On June 21, SoFIA will host the Aging
more for each socially iso- loneliness and isolation. on Aging began offering seniors free-of- in South Florida Symposium from 8:30
lated senior than it would if Sadly, 20% of the sen- charge technology training and, within a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Huizenga College of
the person was connected. iors we assessed eat weeks, had a waiting list of more than Business at Nova Southeastern
As a social determinant of most of their meals 400. University in Davie. The event, spon-
heath, this puts loneliness alone and 58% reported In addition to important digital litera- sored by AARP, includes the exploration
in line with monthly BY PETER KALDES, ESQ. needing total assistance cy skills such as effective online searches of technology as a helpful resource and
Medicare costs for such with key life tasks such to access health benefits, navigation of solution to help us all thrive as we age.
chronic conditions as arthritis ($117) as preparing meals, shopping and trans- online portals for prescription ordering Estimates are that nearly one in four
and high blood pressure ($163). portation. and the use of the internet to plan routes people in South Florida will be at least 65
Socially isolated individuals were 29% Assistance with transportation, afford- or order transportation to medical years old by 2040. Technology is one tool
more likely to use skilled nursing care able housing and meals could all be providers, data shows that the classes that can be used to increase services and
facilities and their monthly SNF costs improved with technology. We also know had a profound impact on their social social connections of isolated seniors
were $75 higher on average. When technology can help alleviate loneliness, engagement. Outcomes include: that foster independence, improve well-
admitted to the hospital, his or her yet access to technology is challenging • 90% increased their access to health being, vitality, functioning and quality of
Medicare benefits were an average of an for seniors. A 2018 Pew Survey found resources life.
additional $81 more than if the person that 34% of Americans who did not use • 90% felt more confident in accessing
were connected. the internet were over 65 years of age. Social Security, VA or Medicaid/care ben- Peter Kaldes is the President and CEO of
The report notes that this might indi- In a 2018 study, however, the AARP efits the South Florida Institute on Aging, a
cate such individuals are sicker when Foundation found that technology use • 77% felt more connected to friends, “Think & Act Tank” focused on economic
hospitalized or may lack the necessary reduced feelings of loneliness. It also family and the community and social research, policy and programs to
support to leave the hospital earlier. The found that older adults use technology to • 71% reported an increase in their support South Florida’s aging community.
lack of a social safety net may also impact make new friends online that help them confidence to remain independent He may be reached at
readmissions among the elderly. build social networks: nearly one-quarter This summer, SoFIA is expanding its pkaldes@thesofia.org or (954) 484-7117.
According to the Florida Department have made at least one friend or acquain- offices to create a Tech Lab &

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