Social Connections Across The Lifespan: Combatting the Loneliness Epidemic-View Presentation

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The APA's "Looking Beyond" webinar focused on social connections across the lifespan, addressing the loneliness epidemic. Moderated by Dr. Jeste, the discussion featured Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a specialist in social connections and health, and Dr. Paul Perrin, an expert in psychology and social justice. Dr. Holt-Lunstad emphasized the distinction between social isolation, an objective measure, and loneliness, a subjective feeling, and introduced tools like the UCLA Loneliness Scale for assessment. She discussed the prevalence and severity of the loneliness epidemic, citing factors such as the rise in living alone and decreasing social capital.<br /><br />Dr. Perrin highlighted the compounded loneliness experienced by marginalized communities due to stigma and discrimination, and stressed the need for inclusive, community-based interventions. He pointed out the "minority strengths model," which underscores social support as a buffer against stress and a catalyst for positive change.<br /><br />The panel explored how loneliness varies across the lifespan and within cultural contexts, noting that different life stages and cultural settings offer distinct challenges and opportunities for connection. They emphasized the role of interdisciplinary collaboration, urging for involvement beyond the clinic, including policymakers, social workers, and community organizers, to combat loneliness.<br /><br />They also discussed the dual role of social media, recognizing both its potential to connect isolated individuals and its capacity for harm. The importance of quality over quantity in social connections was underscored, emphasizing that positive, supportive relationships are crucial for reducing loneliness and its health impacts.<br /><br />The session concluded with a call for comprehensive, culturally sensitive approaches to address loneliness, recognizing its multifaceted influences and the need for systemic change to bolster social connections.

Keywords

loneliness epidemic

social connections

Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad

social isolation

UCLA Loneliness Scale

marginalized communities

minority strengths model

interdisciplinary collaboration

social media

culturally sensitive approaches