Speaker: Karin McDaniel-Executive Director, Jill McLelland-Director of Operations at Adult Life Programs in Catawba County

Aging can bring about numerous challenges that can make developing new relationships extremely difficult and put an enormous strain on existing relationships with loved ones and caregivers. Challenges such as the death of loved ones, a decline in physical and mental functioning, a lack of income, not having access to transportation, and life-course changes such as retirement can result in social isolation and loneliness, now recognized as significant public health issues due to their negative effect on health and quality of life among older adults. Over a prolonged period, these are greater predictors of premature death than many other chronic health issues.