The prevailing cultural narrative in the US equates aging with increasing isolation and loneliness. Is that really what we typically see? In this Coffee Break, Kristin spoke about how social relationships change over time – both the quantity and the quality. She also talked about the important role Extension plays in limiting or preventing isolation and loneliness.
Use this handout about Longitudinal Changes in Relationships to follow along during the conversation: Longitudinal Changes in Relationships.
Interested in doing some reading? For this Coffee Break, Kristin drew from two sources:
- Luong, Gloria, Susan T. Charles, and Karen L. Fingerman. “Better with age: Social relationships across adulthood.” Journal of social and personal relationships (2010).
- McMaster University. “Loneliness and social isolation are important health risks in the elderly.” McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (2016).
