OLDER ADULTS
Big Hearts for Seniors seeks storytellers for annual fundraiser
Playwright Marc Holland presents his story at the 2020 Big Hearts for Seniors event. Big Hearts for Seniors is searching for community members willing to share their stories at its annual fundraiser. The Big Hearts for Seniors: Generations event will happen virtually on May 27, 2021. Our theme “Generations” will allow our storytellers to share memories of connection and tradition,” said Big Hearts for Seniors artistic director Breeda Miller. During the week on April 12, storytellers will record their stories in front of a small audience which will be shown at the Big Hearts for Seniors: Generations event in May.
Study finds sharp increase in loneliness among older adults during COVID-19 pandemic
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.