Drs. Jodi Southerland, Shimin Zheng, and Erin Mauck, faculty in the East Tennessee State University College of Public Health, won first place in the Rural Health Association of Tennessee’s 9th Annual Student, Resident, and Faculty Virtual Poster Competition faculty division. Kayla Dodson, college alumna now working with the Mooresburg Community Association, was also a co-author. The winners were announced November 16, 2023, at the Rural Health Association of Tennessee Annual Conference luncheon. Submissions to the Virtual Poster Competition were evaluated on scientific content and poster display. Each poster was judged independently by three judges, any of whom could also ask questions or request additional information.
The poster was titled, “Factors Associated with Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Rural Older Adults Aging-in-Place in Northeast Tennessee.” According to the U.S. Surgeon General, social connections are vital for healthy longevity; however, social isolation and loneliness have reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. and are associated with 26% and 29% increased risk of mortality, respectively. One-third of older Americans are socially isolated or experience loneliness. Older adults are more susceptible to the negative health and psychological outcomes associated with loneliness due to declining health status. Older Tennesseans face numerous challenges associated with healthy aging including high rates of disease and disability, accessibility of care, and risk of social isolation.
The study highlights the potential burden of social isolation and loneliness in older adults aging-in-place in Northeast Tennessee. The findings also uncover structural drivers and social barriers that make rural older adults vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness. According to Dr. Southerland, this cross-sectional study will help a local taskforce develop targeted strategies to enhance social connections among older adults.