How the Y Is Fighting Senior Loneliness — and How Congress Can Help

COMMENTARY

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of testifying before the Senate Special Committee on Aging about the crisis of senior loneliness in our country. Half of Americans over 60 are at risk for social isolation and nearly a third say they feel isolated.

Studies show this lack of connection leads to poor brain health and higher instances of heart disease, dementia, stroke, anxiety and depression among older adults.

The impact of loneliness can be even more severe among seniors who have health issues, who live alone or who have experienced the loss of a spouse or other loved ones.

For 175 years, the Y has been bringing people together and creating communities where everyone feels valued and welcomed — no matter their age, ability or background. Every year, nearly 4 million adults over the age of 55 walk through our doors or participate in one of our community-based programs, finding not just great opportunities to maintain or improve their physical health, but also new friendships, purpose and a sense of belonging. We know that social connections like these change lives and are part of the solution to the loneliness epidemic.

A few years ago, the Y partnered with the research organization NORC at the University of Chicago to measure how our programs affect older adults.

The results confirmed what we witness daily: Y members report better well-being, lower rates of loneliness and improved mental and physical health. The results also showed that the more frequently seniors engaged with the Y, the greater the benefits. 

Every day in communities across the country, older adults experience the benefits of engaging with the Y, whether it be through improving their physical health in an exercise class or just brightening their day by connecting with a friend.

These seniors are our family members and mentors, our community historians and torchbearers, our close friends and neighbors; it is our duty to support their ongoing health, well-being and connection to their community. 

Beyond fostering social connection, the Y also offers evidence-based health programs that help individuals prevent and manage chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, arthritis and cancer. Thanks to our two-decade partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we have developed programs that improve quality of life and reduce health care costs. These programs make a real, tangible difference in the lives of our members and in health care budgets. For example, a national pilot program involving 8,000 Medicare recipients showed that the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program saved $2,650 per participant while preventing or delaying diabetes in most cases.

These programs are even more important considering that our country’s infrastructure for supporting our growing population of seniors is inadequate.

By 2040, it is expected that one in five Americans will be 65 or older, an increase from one in eight in 2020. The more we’re able to offer programs that support healthy aging and community connection, the more likely seniors can age in place, surrounded by the support of family and neighbors. Such progress would help lessen the strain on systems needed to support an aging population, including housing and health care.  

At the Y, we are proud of the work we do every day, but we also recognize there is more work to be done.

As I said during the congressional hearing, the Y calls on Congress to protect and expand Medicare Advantage benefits that allow seniors to access fitness and social programs; ensure Medicaid helps low-income seniors improve both their physical and mental health; and fund the CDC’s chronic disease prevention programs so that organizations like the Y can continue to innovate and expand our reach. 

Investing in community-based organizations like the Y that are doing the work to support seniors is the right thing to do — and it’s smart policy. Every dollar spent supporting organizations with deep community ties pays dividends in improved health, reduced health care costs and, most importantly, better lives for older Americans.

No one should face the challenges that come with aging alone.

The Y is committed to doing our part to break the cycle of senior loneliness, and with continued partnership from Congress, we will continue doing our part to ensure that everyone can stay active, engaged and connected at every stage of life. 

Suzanne McCormick is president and CEO of YMCA of the USA, the national resource office for the 2,600 YMCAs across the country. The YMCA can be found on LinkedIn.