Social isolation and loneliness are serious yet underappreciated public health risks that affect a significant portion of the older adult population. Approximately one-quarter of community-dwelling Americans aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated, and a significant proportion of adults in the United States report feeling lonely. People who are 50 years of age or older are more likely to experience many of the risk factors that can cause or exacerbate social isolation or loneliness, such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and sensory impairments. Over a life course, social isolation and loneliness may be episodic or chronic, depending upon an individual's circumstances and perceptions. A substantial body of evidence demonstrates that social isolation presents a major risk for premature mortality, comparable to other risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, or obesity. As older adults are particularly high-volume and high-frequency users of the health care system, there is an opportunity for health care professionals to identify, prevent, and mitigate the adverse health impacts of social isolation and loneliness in older adults. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults summarizes the evidence base and explores how social isolation and loneliness affect health and quality of life in adults aged 50 and older, particularly among low income, underserved, and vulnerable populations. This report makes recommendations specifically for clinical settings of health care to identify those who suffer the resultant negative health impacts of social isolation and loneliness and target interventions to improve their social conditions. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults considers clinical tools and methodologies, better education and training for the health care workforce, and dissemination and implementation that will be important for translating research into practice, especially as the evidence base for effective interventions continues to flourish.

This multi-disciplinary collection of essays captures discussion, thinking and research surrounding the recent surge of interest in how technology can help us as we age. A wide range of topics are covered, from investigations in the use of technology to improve health and well-being, to examinations of digital gaming, mobile health apps and the quantified self in relation to an ageing population. From multi-disciplinary perspectives, this collection highlights the role of a more social approach to technology. As such, a variety of social research methods are used throughout the chapters. The benefits and issues with different approaches are highlighted both in terms of further research, but also so the reader can judge the value of the research for themselves. This collection brings together the latest thinking and cutting edge contemporary research from leading thinkers and academics in the field of human computer interaction, health and gerontology. In taking a social approach, it highlights how technological practices fit within wider gerontological, political and cultural perspectives. It therefore has potential to influence those working in human computer interaction, digital humanities, sociology, psychology and gerontology. It can help change the practice of people working in the health and social care field, in computer and product design, and in the digital and creative industries.

"The New Realities of a Digital World" offers a comprehensive exploration of the profound changes brought by digitalization and technology. With chapters covering the rise of AI, ethical dilemmas, cryptocurrency’s impact, the gig economy, and more, the book delves into the opportunities and challenges of the modern digital age. It addresses pressing issues such as privacy, mental health, social justice, and the digital divide, all while highlighting the paradoxes of hyperconnectivity and the struggles faced by marginalized communities. This book serves as a thoughtful guide to understanding and preparing for a future shaped by technology.

Drawing on interdisciplinary, cross-national perspectives, this open access book contributes to the development of a coherent scientific discourse on social exclusion of older people. The book considers five domains of exclusion (services; economic; social relations; civic and socio-cultural; and community and spatial domains), with three chapters dedicated to analysing different dimensions of each exclusion domain. The book also examines the interrelationships between different forms of exclusion, and how outcomes and processes of different kinds of exclusion can be related to one another. In doing so, major cross-cutting themes, such as rights and identity, inclusive service infrastructures, and displacement of marginalised older adult groups, are considered. Finally, in a series of chapters written by international policy stakeholders and policy researchers, the book analyses key policies relevant to social exclusion and older people, including debates linked to sustainable development, EU policy and social rights, welfare and pensions systems, and planning and development. The book’s approach helps to illuminate the comprehensive multidimensionality of social exclusion, and provides insight into the relative nature of disadvantage in later life. With 77 contributors working across 28 nations, the book presents a forward-looking research agenda for social exclusion amongst older people, and will be an important resource for students, researchers and policy stakeholders working on ageing.

A practical guide to bridging the generation gap. In How to Say It to Seniors, geriatric psychology expert David Solie offers help in removing the typical communication blocks many experience with the elderly. By sharing his insights into the later stages of life, Solie helps in understanding the unique perspective of seniors, and provides the tools to relate to them.