Third Chapter Curious: Industry News Round-up - Segment 4 “Let’s Get Loud About Silent Suffering”

Harder to see, yet seriously deadly, is the often-overlooked aspect of senior care: loneliness—a pernicious mental health crisis that affects 1 in 3 seniors in the United States. Thankfully, there are solutions to a problem that has enumerable manifestations. The best practice is as simple as community—strength in numbers and solidarity, and also to be an advocate in your life and for the welfare of your loved ones. Humans require constant engagement and activity throughout life in order to stay grounded and healthy. Prevention, as is the case for many diseases and epidemics, is the best medicine. Families and friends need to remember how vital contact is—it can save a life and prolong the enjoyment of existence. Through a return to community living combined with accessible technology, a more connected society is possible. 

ARTICLE 1: “The Silent Epidemic: How Loneliness is Affecting Our Senior Citizens”

Disconnection is not atypical and is something to be expected at certain points in life. For seniors, this issue is particularly damaging. After experiencing the loss of a partner or friends while enduring health issues, physical pain can intensify isolation, leading to declining mental health. Prolonged seclusion can lead to cardiovascular disease and other conditions while also weakening the immune system. The best and most immediate solutions can be found in community with others, and through programming activities designed for seniors to engage with the world based on their abilities and limitations. Keeping in touch by video calls is always a good option if physical contact is not possible or frequent.

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ARTICLE 2: “Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System”

Isolation is and should be treated as a mental health concern, and medical intervention can help. Rather than a sterile, clinical approach, people can couple treatment with natural and holistic practices. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution, which is good news, because people can choose what works best for them and have autonomy over their interactions. Family and other acquaintances can provide help and be a part of the solution

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ARTICLE 3: “Reducing social isolation and loneliness among older people”

It is not impossible to combat situational or emotional isolation, but it will require some intervention from those outside of that space. The call to action likely needs to stem from family members or people in the immediate community—all of us are responsible for being good stewards in showing love and care to each other. Therapy and age-inclusive communities combined with digital assets can help immensely with reducing loneliness.

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Written and edited by Cameron Thompson for Third Chapter Curious, LLC, 2025