In 2023, then-US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy warned* that loneliness and isolation is a “new” health crisis, affecting people of all ages, especially children. While it may be a new crisis for some people today, it has long been a crisis for the aging population, especially those in long-term care. Exposing the risks of loneliness and isolation in older adults has been the focus of The Eden Alternative® since its inception. Our vision, “To eliminate loneliness, helplessness, and boredom,” has driven our pursuit of person-directed, relationship-centered care for more than 30 years.
By Kathy Hagen
Former Interim CEO
The Eden Alternative
“Loneliness is not a source of shame,” Dr. Murthy stated. “It’s like hunger or thirst. A signal that our body sends us, that we need something for our survival, and that is social connection… When we have people around us that care about us, we can deal with a fair amount of adversity in our lives.”
Addressing the Risks of Loneliness and Isolation in Older Adults Through The Eden Alternative’s Framework
The Ten Principles of The Eden Alternative® are foundational for culture change and provide structure around addressing the risks of loneliness.
- Principle One states, “Loneliness, helplessness, and boredom are painful and destructive to our health and well-being.”
- Principle Three states, “We thrive when we have easy access to the companionship we desire. This is the antidote to loneliness.”
As we work with people partnering in care, our focus might benefit by building relationships with each other; between care partners; among staff members; between staff; residents; family members; and between residents and other residents. These relationships could then serve as a catalyst for citizen-based community building.
The Seven Keys to Unlocking Well-Being and Reducing Loneliness and Isolation
The Eden Alternative Domains of Well-Being® – Identity, Security, Connectedness, Autonomy, Meaning, Growth, and Joy – are key to unlocking well-being and reducing loneliness and isolation. Consider how full these cups are in your life. How do you fill them up? Can you help others fill theirs?
1. Identity: Being well-known
Being well-known to others and knowing others well not only creates connectedness, but it also improves both mental and physical health. This is what is meant by identity.
- Who am I to myself and to others?
- Who are my neighbors, my coworkers?
- How do we work together to know one another deeply?
- What does it mean to know someone deeply?
2. Security: Feeling safety, privacy, and freedom from doubt
Safety is a fundamental need for well-being. Protecting our dignity and the dignity of others builds trust and security. Living in an environment of trust, where it is safe to be ourselves, staves off loneliness and isolation.
3. Connectedness: Experiencing belonging and involvement
Connecting with just one other person can foster a sense of belonging and security. Being connected to other humans is vital to our survival.
If you don’t feel connected to others, consider how you might find connection. Perhaps someone you know does not have social connections. Start small by getting to know them. Find something that connects the two of you. Connection saves lives. Helping others can be a powerful path to building connection and eliminating loneliness and isolation.
4. Autonomy: Having freedom, choice, and self-determination
While autonomy is associated with independence, it is also related to in4.terdependence. For those who need support, maintaining as much autonomy as possible is essential to avoiding learned helplessness.
When people feel useful and can make their own decisions, they become empowered and able to excel. The more we focus on strengths – what one can do rather than what they cannot do – the more the muscles of autonomy and growth are strengthened.
5. Growth: Continuing to evolve and expand
Change is inevitable. At all ages and abilities, we each grow and change every day. Growth fosters joy. People thrive on growth, as it can elicit learning, variety, and spontaneity.
6. Meaning: Living with purpose
When life has no meaning or purpose, energy can wane. Energy can come from meaning, traditions, gratitude, and life-affirming work.
How do you feel when you do meaningless work? Do you feel tired, lethargic, slow?
How does meaningful work support you? Consider sharing with others to increase meaning in your life.
7. Joy: Knowing happiness and delight
Joy can be a special kind of happiness that transcends everyday life. Joy can come from within and fill life with unbounded love, connection, gratitude, and peace.
What are moments of joy for you? What does living a joy-filled life mean?
Fostering Connectedness and Community
Those who have leveraged the Eden Approach® understand the difference its antidotes can make. The Ten Principles and the Domains of Well-Being were designed to work together to eliminate loneliness, helplessness, and boredom.
They are for people living in care communities and for all people, regardless of age, ability, or where they call home. Every person can benefit from learning how these concepts can impact their life and the lives of those around them.
US Surgeon General Murthy called out this loneliness crisis because of the climate of social isolation caused by the pandemic, social media, and technology. Reach out and find someone to connect with and help each other be the drivers of communities of connectedness.
Take the Next Step to Reducing Loneliness and Isolation in Older Adults
Understanding the risks of loneliness and isolation is the first step to making meaningful change. The Eden Alternative offers comprehensive in-person and online education that provides the skills and knowledge needed to reduce loneliness and isolation in older adults through person-directed care. We invite you to join us as we work to transform how we support and empower elders.
- Browse upcoming in-person and online Certified Eden Alternative Training opportunities
- Already a Certified Eden Associate? Deepen your understanding of the Eden Approach and broaden your impact with Eden Educator Training
- Read the white paper: Revolutionizing the Experience of Home by Bringing Well-Being to Life: The Eden Alternative Domains of Well-Being®
- *Listen to former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s comments
About The Eden Alternative
Our Mission: To improve the well-being of Elders and their care partners by transforming the communities in which they live and work.
The Eden Alternative offers educational opportunities, consultation and a proven approach to honoring Elderhood, with resources for Elders and care partners to elevate well-being wherever they may live and work.
