This local initiative is working to make sure no one experiences loneliness

Many older adults reported decreased physical activity during the pandemic, which can increase the risk of falls, says U-M.

Older adults have been hit hard by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, not only suffering more severe illnesses and deaths, but also in terms of the mental toll. A new study from the University of Michigan demonstrated just how deeply older adults have been affected. Researchers looked at the change in levels of loneliness among older adults from 2018 to 2020. The study found older adults who interacted with neighbors or spent time outside were less likely to feel isolated. In 2018 and 2020, older adults who ate healthy, exercised and got sufficient sleep also tended to feel less lonely, researchers said.