LOOP: Reducing Social Isolation and Loneliness in Seniors

Social support networks

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

The United States faces an acute crisis in senior isolation, a condition underscored by the US Surgeon General as reaching alarming levels. In 2023, the US Surgeon General said “loneliness poses health risks as deadly as smoking up to 15 cigarettes daily”. A staggering 43% of American seniors, equating to 24 million older adults, experience social isolation (AARP). This data translates to more than 860,000 isolated seniors in LA County alone. This pervasive issue not only results in an annual additional federal spending of $6.7 billion (AARP) but also elevates the risk of dementia by 50% due to the profound effects of social isolation (Consumer Affairs). AARP Foundation President Lisa Marsh Ryerson emphasizes that social isolation is a largely overlooked problem, adversely affecting the health and well-being of millions of older adults. The urgency is accentuated as nearly 1 in 5 Americans aged 65 and older grapple with social isolation, with 10,000 Americans turning 65 daily.

LOOP is a young company on a mission to combat senior isolation through an innovative online community. With this grant, LOOP will partner with senior organizations and their members throughout LA County. We will offer over 120 live classes and events designed specifically for seniors, covering physical fitness, mental health, and social interaction. Our specialized instructors/talent combined with LOOP Hosts facilitate engaging, interactive experiences for participants.
Key features of LOOP include:
• Diverse class offerings: Chair yoga, tai chi, strength training, games, poetry, meditation, book clubs, movie nights, virtual world tours, and social cafes
• Secure data collection to evaluate impact on reducing isolation and loneliness
• Private sharing of health/personal challenges with senior organizations when appropriate
• Compliance with CCPA, HIPAA, and SOC2 standards
LOOP provides a safe, secure platform where technology meets compassion to foster connected, fulfilled senior living. In a pilot with the City of LA, 90% of seniors reported feeling significantly more engaged since joining LOOP. As member Marge said, "It’s a whole new way of living. I can’t imagine my life without it.”
By leveraging technology and human connection, LOOP will utilize this grant to provide opportunities for physical activity, mental stimulation, and meaningful social interaction for seniors, with the goal to reduce loneliness and isolation.

This project will demonstrate that virtual social connection will reduce social isolation & loneliness, especially reaching some of the most vulnerable seniors. In addition to the direct benefit to seniors, family members, caregivers, social workers, & health care providers will experience relief emotionally & fiscally. For example, often personal caregivers (spouses, partners, family members) have limited time availability. LOOP provides respite for those caregivers as well as connection for the seniors engaged in LOOP programming. Numerous studies demonstrate that seniors who are engaged are more likely to eat regular meals, have fewer doctor visits, & better overall health. With the success of this project, we are well-positioned to expand to every senior organization in LA County & throughout the State of California. With wide scale expansion, we will reduce social isolation & its wide spreading impact on the health and well-being of seniors, their families, & their communities.

When we first introduced seniors to LOOP, we provided a questionnaire using the De Jong Loneliness Scale which categorizes loneliness into four levels. We obtained baseline data & used survey tools with the participants who had engaged with LOOP. We found that 30% felt engaged PRIOR to joining LOOP & 100% felt more engaged since joining. Since that time, we have conducted several pilots, including with the City of LA. & have used pre & post surveys, questionnaires, & focus groups to evaluate our success. For this grant project, we will use agreed upon tools to evaluate seniors & measure success of reducing senior isolation & loneliness. By implementing this grant project, we believe the data will show a reduction in senior loneliness & isolation. Below are a few testimonials from our LOOP community: “Loop is my lifeline.” Ann
“We have seen the change before our very eyes & it’s evident that LOOP has made our seniors less isolated & happier in life.” Vanessa, Golden Inn & Village