Loneliness threatens the health of people of all ages. Thurston County declares it a crisis

Did you know feeling isolated or lonely is as bad for your health as smoking or diabetes?

Loneliness significantly increases your chances of stroke, heart attacks and premature death. Among seniors, isolation and loneliness increases the risk of dementia by 50%.

It was news to many of us when, in 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared isolation and loneliness a national epidemic. The Surgeon General opened our eyes to new research and the profound health impacts of feeling disconnected.

Loneliness and isolation are increasing problems within our communities and are exacerbated by modern technology among young people and the elderly alike. Yet we have power and hope to combat this epidemic if we take it seriously.

Throughout this year, my organization, Senior Services for South Sound, has focused on educating seniors about the serious health impacts of isolation and loneliness. We’ve sought partners because this crisis does not affect just seniors, but people of all ages. Over the past year, we were joined in this effort by the United Way of Thurston County, South Sound YMCA, and Timberland Regional Library. When approached about these concerns, they immediately understood the impacts to their own clients.

In addition to what we have each done through our own organizations to spread awareness of the health impacts, we also sought partnership with the Thurston County Board of Health and county’s Public Health and Social Services Department. We have worked closely with the department since early 2024 to raise awareness. In particular, we’ve sought to have the county declare a public health crisis in recognition of the widespread threat.

I’m inspired by our county’s decisive recent action. The Thurston County Board of Health declared Isolation and Loneliness a public health crisis in our county at their Dec. 10 meeting.

What good is a declaration you ask? The Surgeon General advisory points out that only 20% of Americans understand that isolation and/or loneliness is bad for their health. Unlike with smoking or diabetes, people simply do not comprehend that being disconnected drives poor health outcomes. The Board of Health members deserve our deep appreciation for their choice to highlight this problem, and we can proudly say that Thurston County is the first county in our state to take this action. More will surely follow.

If you’re interested in learning more about what the Board of Health is doing to promote social connectedness and prevent isolation within Thurston County, check out their newly published webpage for more information and resources.

I’d like to give special recognition to our new director of the Public Health Department, Dr. Jen Freiheit, for her enthusiasm and leadership of this effort. This declaration surely could not have happened without her support and follow through.

Now that we are learning how dangerous it is to be isolated and/or lonely, what should we do? For one thing, talk about it! Talk with your friends, family and co-workers. We need to normalize this deep and serious problem in our community. Every single one of us needs to understand the negative health impacts and respond with an open heart that reconnects our community.

There are so many ways to respond. Our community is blessed with many ways to connect, and though our weather drives us inside in winter, we must take actions to form and maintain connections. There are so many fun social and fitness activities at the YMCA, so many ways to learn and connect at the Timberland Library, such diverse and stimulating activities for seniors at Senior Services for South Sound.

It doesn’t matter how you like to connect, we just need meaningful connections. I need to put in a plug for volunteering, too, as the Surgeon General’s report identifies this as among the best ways to connect and be of service to our communities.

Brian Windrope is the Executive Director of Senior Services for South Sound. He is joined in signing this opinion column by Chris Wells, the head of United Way of Thurston County; Kyle Cronk, leader of the South Sound YMCA; Cheryl Heywood, leader of Timberland Regional Library; and Dr. Jen Freiheit, leader of the Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department.

This story was originally published December 20, 2024 at 5:00 AM.