Saint Louis University Announces the 2023 SLU Loneliness and Social Isolation Summit

Addressing the Growing Concern of Loneliness and Isolation in Older Adults

SAINT LOUIS, [9/25/23] - Saint Louis University (SLU) is proud to announce the first-ever summit dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of loneliness and social isolation in older adults. The 2023 SLU Loneliness and Social Isolation Summit will bring together a diverse group of professionals, academics, students, caregivers, and community volunteers to discuss and devise strategies to combat this growing concern.

The summit comes on the heels of a recent advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, highlighting the devastating impact of the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in the United States. The advisory underscored that even before the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately half of U.S. adults reported experiencing significant levels of loneliness. Such disconnection has profound effects on mental, physical, and societal health, increasing the risk of mental health challenges and even premature death to levels comparable to daily smoking.

Dr. Murthy's advisory emphasized the need for a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection, detailing recommendations for individuals, governments, and organizations to enhance connection and improve overall health. The advisory noted that poor social connection can lead to a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults. Furthermore, the lack of social connection can increase the risk of premature death by over 60%.

The 2023 SLU Loneliness and Social Isolation Summit aims to build on these findings, offering a platform for global speakers to share insights, research, and interventions to curb the trend of loneliness and isolation in older adults.

Event Details:
Date: October 6, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:15 p.m. CST
Format: Virtual

For more information and to register for the event visit: aging.slu.edu

Press Contact:
Matthew Pidgeon
Matt.pidgeon@health.slu.edu
314-322-1077

SLUCare Academic Pavilion
1008 S. Spring Ave, Room 2547
St. Louis, MO 63110

Saint Louis University's Gateway Geriatric Education Center develops leading-edge education for current and future geriatric professionals. It has been funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for a quarter of a century.

The center has trained tens of thousands of public groups, students and professionals across the region and country. As part of the SLU School of Medicine's Division of Geriatric Medicine, the center reaches many students, professionals, direct care workers, older adults and their support networks.

This release was published on openPR.