Key points

Feeling valued and needed protects seniors from the harsh effects of loneliness.

Families and communities can reduce loneliness by inviting elders to share wisdom and contribute.

Small, daily signals of recognition restore dignity and resilience in later life.

Recently, I have heard a great deal about the growing concern for loneliness among seniors in many communities. It is often referred to as the silent epidemic of aging. Even in senior communities filled with activities, many older adults describe feeling invisible or forgotten. Loneliness is not just about lacking social contact—it is also about questioning Do I still matter to anyone?

Loneliness and Mental Health in Older Adults

The impact of loneliness on seniors' mental health is profound. Research shows that u

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