Aging, Social Isolation, and Resilience: What Do We Need to Know? (Journal Article)

Here’s a headline that catches our attention: Researchers are warning that social isolation can be as damaging to a person’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Older persons are particularly vulnerable, especially during the time of coronavirus. On the other side of the coin, older persons are known to be resilient. They have lived a long life with its ups and downs. Despite the pandemic, they are able to look at the big picture and are taking things in stride. Family members and financial service professionals have a role to play in identifying those who may be feeling isolated and lonely, and provide some support that can make a difference in their lives.

Author: Sandra Timmermann, EdD, is a nationally recognized gerontologist who focuses on aging, retirement, and the application to business. She was a vice president at MetLife and the founder and director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute from 1997–2013. Sandy is now consulting with financial services and other businesses interested in reaching the 50+ market and is representing the International Federation on Ageing at the United Nations. She is also serving as a senior fellow at the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement, a member of the Academy of Home Equity in Financial Planning, and has been teaching gerontology at the American College of Financial Services. In the aging field for over 35 years, she has held executive positions with AARP, the American Society on Aging and SeniorNet, and has served on several national boards and commissions. She recently received the prestigious 2019 American Society on Aging Award for her contributions to advocacy, research, and administration in aging. A frequent speaker on retirement issues, she has been interviewed by hundreds of media outlets. Sandy received a BA from the University of Colorado and MA and EdD degrees from Columbia University.

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