Loneliness And Seniors During The Coronavirus

Loneliness is more likely to appear in older populations says Dr. Kerstin Emerson, a gerontologist with the University of Georgia.

We are all having to learn what it’s like to live at least partially isolated during this unprecedented (in our lifetimes) pandemic.

But for those who live in assisted living, senior or nursing home situations, the state’s shelter-in-place mandate is clear: stay away. That means family, friends and anyone in between.

And that creates fertile ground for loneliness, especially among older people.

But, loneliness is more likely to appear in older populations, says Dr. Kerstin Emerson, a gerontologist with the University of Georgia.

Emerson shared her findings with WABE’s host of “All Things Considered,” Jim Burress.