Lake County General Health District (LCGHD), in partnership with the Painesville Senior Center and We Thrive Together, both Lake County nonprofit organizations, is launching “Connections” as part of the Motivate Lake County (MLC) wellness initiative. A virtual senior engagement platform consisting of free online events, including discussion groups, games, exercise classes, relaxation sessions, virtual trips, presentations, and support groups, “Connections” can be accessed by any internet-ready device or telephone, and aims to keep seniors engaged with their peers during a time with limited social engagement, as prompted by the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“While LCGHD stands by our recommendation that Lake County senior centers remain closed until January 1, 2021 due to the spread of COVID-19, we can’t stand by without addressing the escalation in social isolation and loneliness among seniors” stated Health Commissioner Ron Graham. “Fortunately, we already had the MLC platform in place, and were able to leverage this technology to meet the needs of our senior residents”. Thus far, the Lake County Council on Aging, Fairhill Partners, and the Wickliffe, Willoughby, Perry, and Eastlake Senior Centers have opted to participate in the program, to ensure that their members stay engaged and connected during this critical time.
According to an October report by the AARP Foundation and United Health Foundation, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a rise in social isolation and loneliness, with nearly two-thirds of the nation’s adults experiencing some form of social isolation. While more than half of these individuals also report that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused their anxiety levels to increase, many are not reaching out for help. This growing trend is alarming, as social isolation has long been linked to poor health outcomes, including but not limited to dementia, heart disease, and depression.
To sign up for an event, individuals can call (440) 478-5640 or email register@MotivateLakeCounty.com. A full list of programming can be found at www.motivatelakecounty.com. For more information on “Connections”, please contact Denise Powell at denise@painesvilleseniors.com, or (216) 318-1211.
