Health

10 HE ALTH • Spring 2019 So, she started doing an osteoporo- sis exercise program at the Worcester Senior Center. Today at age 87, Marie, who asked that her last name not be used to preserve her privacy, is still a regular at the center. She plays card games, enjoys meals she doesn't have to shop for and prepare herself, and spends time with friends, including some people she met at that first exer- cise class two decades ago. "In order to keep your sanity you've got to be out moving and participat- ing in things and talking to people," she said. "I'm not interested in TV, and I don't have a computer because I don't want to get involved in it." There's strong evidence taking the steps Marie has – and having access to the resources she's found at the senior center – can make a huge difference when it comes to the mental and phys- ical health of older people. Lack of social connection carries risks compa- rable to obesity, physical inactivity, air pollution, or smoking up to 15 ciga- rettes a day, according to published work by psychology and neuroscience researcher Julianne Holt-Lunstad. Loneliness is a particular problem among older adults, who often live alone and are typically retired, and Holt-Lunstad found it can contribute to depression, cognitive decline, dementia, high blood pressure, inf lammation, and immune system problems. Interacting with other people Dr. Leah Richler, a psychiatrist at the UMass Memorial Health Care System in Worcester, has been work- ing with people over 65 in Central Massachusetts for over a decade, and she said loneliness is a real problem in this region. "It is definitely a struggle and defi- nitely impacts the health of aging individuals," Richler said. Richler described one patient who had been struggling with anxiety, depression, and pulmonary disease after her husband died. With Richler's support, she moved to an assisted living facility where she had more company and support. "Within maybe even a month, month and a half, her breathing had significantly improved, her anxiety was improved, she was feeling safe, feeling comfortable," Richler said. In another case, a man sought help after retiring from a demanding job. "He worked in business, and he retired; and after his retirement his wife told him he had to go see a psy- chiatrist," Richler said. "He started volunteering at various institutions in the area and found that he just felt so PHOTOS/EDD COTE W hen Marie retired more than two decades ago, she decided to spend her days vol- unteering. But then she got sick and wasn't able to continue, which was frus- trating. "I'm a people person," she said. "I needed something to do besides sit there and feel bad for myself and look at four walls." As people age into their golden years, a host of health and community professionals work to prevent them from falling into an unhealthy cycle • By Livia Gershon Fighting loneliness Worcester area resident Evelyn McTiude greets Meals on Wheels delivery man Paul Frigon just outside her home. PHOTOS/MATT WRIGHT

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