LETTER to the Editor

Social isolation and loneliness

To the editor:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we learned new ways to interact with others around us. However, according to a 2020 article published by the JAMA Network, it was indicated that “Individuals with SI/L, especially elderly individuals, are frequently not identified within their communities” (Blazer, 2020). As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we have another issue we need to address, the issue of social isolation and loneliness in our aging population; even before the COVID-19 pandemic began, we have seen the aging population combating social isolation and loneliness for various reasons, including “living alone, the loss of the family or friend” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.). As a citizen of Cottage Grove, some ways we can help older adults in our community are by “creating and/or improving social connections” (Holt-Lunstad, Barton, B. Smith, et al., 2020). However, I am saddened that Cottage Grove and Washington County have not created enough opportunities for this population, almost two years after the pandemic started. As humans, we thrive off interactions with others. However, this specific population is not receiving this interaction with others. Opportunities need to be made; otherwise, this specific population will remain unidentifiable.

Lauren Miller Cottage Grove