Learning Objectives:

1. How are loneliness and social isolation defined, and what are their health effects?

Goal: Define each term and identify at least 2 proposed mechanisms by which they impact health

2.  How are the experiences of loneliness and social isolation among older adults  
        affected by serious illness?

Goal: Understand unique considerations in persons with serious illness

3. How can we support older adults experiencing loneliness and social isolation?

Goal: Apply a framework for interventions in a clinical setting

4. Recognize the relevance of the social context for understanding sensory health in the older adult population.
5. Describe how characteristics of personal social networks and residential neighborhoods influence the sensory outcomes among older adults and consider why these associations might exist.