Earlier this year, the U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory that stated loneliness is more widespread than other major health issues in the nation. Loneliness and social isolation are being linked to serious health conditions and public health risks in older adults – reinforcing the fact that social connection plays a critical role in an individual’s health and wellbeing, as well as society’s overall health, in a number of ways.

Samaritan, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, Aleph Home Care and Older Adults Resource Connections, is offering a FREE Social Isolation, Loneliness and Connection Information Session on Monday, November 6, 2023, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Weinberg Commons’s Amy Silvers Community Building (1707 Springdale Road) in Cherry Hill.

This important presentation will explore the many risk factors for social isolation and loneliness among older adults and will present strategies to help attendees experience greater social connection and belonging in their communities.

“Many people do not realize the importance of social connection when it comes to a person’s overall health and wellbeing,” says Sally Cezo, Director of Social Isolation Impact, Samaritan. “This information session will provide attendees with a detailed look at the topics of social isolation and loneliness and their specific impacts on the older adult population.”

“Our hope is that all who attend walk away with a thorough understanding of this critical issue, as well as applicable strategies and life skills to improve overall health and wellbeing,” says Robyn Kaplan, Executive Director of Older Adults, Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey.

The information session will be led by Jillian Racoosin, Executive Director for the Foundation for Social Connection who regularly speaks to audiences across the United States about the crisis of social isolation and loneliness, and was a contributor to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Loneliness and the Healing Power of Connection. Throughout her presentation, Racoosin will offer practical suggestions to encourage better social connection, while highlighting how the Foundation and its partners are working together to address the issues of social isolation and loneliness from both an individual and societal perspective.

Registration for this free information session is required – those interested can register online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/addressing-social-isolation-loneliness-and-connection-tickets-723947786317 or by calling 856-685-5700 x2001.

About Samaritan:

 Samaritan is a not-for-profit, independent organization locally founded in Moorestown, New Jersey in 1980 as one of the first hospices in the country. Samaritan is now one of the State’s leading providers of hospice care, palliative (comfort) medicine, at-home primary care, grief support and counseling, advanced illness care, education and advocacy. Samaritan serves people in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties who are coping with the stresses of aging, serious illness or grief wherever they call home. Samaritan also has two dedicated inpatient hospice centers in Voorhees and Mount Holly. Beyond the services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance plans, Samaritan annually provides nearly $1M in donor-funded non-reimbursed care for patients and families in the South Jersey region. A thrift shop in Westmont also supports Samaritan services and programs. Samaritan is accredited by The Joint Commission; a member of the National Partnership for Hospice Innovation; and is a four-star hospice in the national We Honor Veterans program. For more information, visit www.SamaritanNJ.org