Registration required to this important event

Boulder County, Colo. - Social isolation impacts nearly one in five older adults. Research shows that chronic isolation and loneliness is associated with a variety of negative health effects, everything from high blood pressure and increased susceptibility to the flu, to a greater risk of heart disease and an earlier onset of dementia. On Friday, April 26, the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging (AAA), a division of Community Services, and the HOPE Coalition will join together for a community presentation and discussion around the issues of social isolation and how to address the problems it creates.

What: Community Conversation: Exploring Solutions to
Isolation as We Age
When: Friday, April 26, 9-11:30 a.m.
Where: Boulder County Clerk & Recorder's Office,
Houston Room, 1750 33rd St, Boulder
Cost: No cost to attend, but registration is required at:
solutionstoisolation.eventbrite.com

Professionals, older adults, and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to attend this no-cost event. For more information, please contact Teresa DeAnni with the AAA at tdeanni@bouldercounty.org. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. and refreshments will be available.

Kathy Valentine, chairperson of the HOPE Coalition of Boulder County, says that “Partnering with the Area Agency on Aging to put on this event gives us the opportunity to reach the older population in our county. Addressing the isolation issue and exploring solutions to it are imperative to maintaining the health and wellbeing of our older adults so they continue to be vibrant members of our community.”

A wide variety of risk factors can lead to isolation, including chronic health conditions, loss of a spouse, hearing or vision loss, limited transportation options, and living alone or in a rural area. The impacts can be devastating as older adults who describe themselves as lonely have a 59% greater risk of functional decline and a 45% greater risk of death.

Exploring Solutions to Isolation as We Age is designed to serve as an exploration into how those in Boulder County can begin to address social isolation. The morning will start with an introduction around the issues of isolation, with community members speaking about their experience as isolated older adults. This will be followed by a panel discussion with experts on the medical, housing, transportation, and social health issues, plus creative engagement strategies to combat isolation, along with audience engagement in the conversation.