The Stream

The isolation of aging

Loneliness weakens the immune system, so how can older people strengthen their emotional resilience?

Older people, often isolated by deteriorating health, can seem invisible. Yet by 2047, people over age 60 will outnumber people under 16. Their well-being will be a global concern in the future, but for now, it’s up to their communities to care. The Stream explores the isolation of aging, and how older people can build their emotional resilience against the health effects of loneliness.

In this episode, we speak to:

Lucy Schnurpfeil
Chairman, AltenHilfe Afrika 
altenhilfe-afrika.org 

Gladys Morris @AgeOptions
77-year-old on public assistance

Bob Harris
72-year-old volunteer, LinkAge

Christina Victor
Professor, Gerontology, Brunel University London
 

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