Governor Hochul and Dr. Ruth Westheimer Release Public Service Announcement to Support New Yorkers Struggling With Loneliness During the Holiday Season

Governor Kathy Hochul today released a public service announcement on loneliness during the holiday season in partnership with Dr. Ruth Westheimer, New York's recently-appointed honorary Ambassador to Loneliness. In the Public Service Announcement, which will be posted on social media sites, Governor Hochul and Dr. Westheimer discuss tips for individuals experiencing social isolation and urge all New Yorkers to check on friends, neighbors and loved ones who may be spending the holidays alone.

"This holiday season, let's recommit ourselves to ending the loneliness epidemic in New York," Governor Hochul said. "The loneliness epidemic is real, causing negative health impacts for seniors, children and New Yorkers of all ages. We have many resources available for those who may struggle with social isolation, and together with my friend Ambassador Ruth we'll make sure New Yorkers know they have somewhere to turn."

VIDEO of the public service announcement is available on YouTube here and in TV quality (h.264, mp4) format here.

More than a third of adults 45 or older experience loneliness, with nearly a quarter of adults 65 or older considered socially isolated, a recent study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine found. Loneliness is defined as the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact, while social isolation refers to a lack of social connections.

Social isolation significantly increased the risk of premature death from all causes, the study found, rivaling the risk posed by other detrimental health conditions or behaviors, including smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Social isolation has been associated with an approximately 50 percent increased risk of developing dementia, while poor social relationships- characterized by social isolation or loneliness- have been associated with a 29 percent increased risk of heart disease and a 32 percent increased risk of stroke.

Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State is taking steps to develop age-friendly communities and build a more robust system of mental health care. Last year, Governor Hochul signed an executive order to create the state's first-ever Master Plan for Aging to ensure older New Yorkers can live healthy, fulfilling lives while aging with dignity and independence.

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) is now working with the state Department of Health to develop this comprehensive plan, which will recommend age-friendly policies to influence community development, transportation, and other supports needed to allow all New Yorkers to participate socially as they age. Last summer, the Master Plan for Aging's council and advisory committee released a preliminary report, with the final report slated to be delivered by 2025.

NYSOFA has a 50-year track record of combating loneliness and isolation among older adults through friendly visitor programs, community engagement activities, and other services and supports. Since 2018, NYSOFA has implemented several innovative programs that are being replicated nationally to overcome social isolation. NYSOFA's award-winning animatronic pet program has shown a 75 percent reduction in loneliness, isolation and pain. NYSOFA's partnership with the online community GetSetUp has connected more than 200,000 older New Yorkers to engagement opportunities through lifelong learning. NYSOFA has also partnered with Selfhelp Community Services to expand Selfhelp's Virtual Senior Center model to half of the state. In addition, NYSOFA's partnership with Intuition Robotics has provided older adults with ElliQ, a proactive AI companion tool, in a pilot program that has achieved a 95 percent reduction in loneliness in its first year of launch.

In November, Governor Hochul also signed legislation S.5907, which directs NYSOFA to conduct a study on the number of adults residing in naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs), who are suffering from social isolation and loneliness, and assess current programs or services seeking to alleviate these conditions. The findings of the study will be submitted to the Governor and legislature.

New York State Office for the Aging Acting Director Greg Olsen said, "For many, the holiday season is a time of family gatherings, but it can also be a time when people may feel especially alone, especially as individuals are more likely to withdraw from social activities during the colder months. NYSOFA is working with national partners to offer many tools and innovations that can help older adults and caregivers. There are also practical ways that we can all do our part. If there is an older person in your life, call or visit, see how they are doing and make an emotional connection over a shared interest. It can be life changing."

The Office of Mental Health (OMH) is now implementing Governor Hochul's landmark $1 Billion plan to build out New York's continuum of mental health care, which was adopted in May as part of the FY 2024 State Budget. Part of this multi-year plan includes investing $60 million in capital and $121.6 million operating funding to dramatically expand outpatient services, which can provide a stigma-free environment to help New Yorkers experiencing mental health issues like anxiety or depression.

The state is now working to triple the number of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, which serve New Yorkers experiencing mental health issues or substance use disorders regardless of where they reside or their ability to pay for these services. These clinics will be expanded from 13 to 39 by July 2025.

New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, "For so many New Yorkers, the holidays are a time for celebrating with friends and family. But for some, this season can also spur feelings of loneliness and social isolation, which have long been linked to poor mental health outcomes. This seasonal message from Governor Hochul and Dr. Ruth Westheimer reminds us to be aware of those around us who may be struggling with depression or anxiety associated with loneliness and isolation, and that New York has resources to help the individuals, including 988 and the state's anonymous crisis text line."

For many individuals across the state, the holidays are a joyful time to reconnect with friends, family and loved ones. For others, the holidays can be a difficult time, magnifying on stress, sadness and loneliness. During these times, it is crucial to check in on our seniors, those living alone and those grieving a lost loved one.

New Yorkers are not alone. New York State's anonymous crisis text line is available 24/7. Individuals can text "GOT5" to 741741 for assistance. Those who are in crisis, experiencing emotional distress, or worried about someone they know can also call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Contact the Governor's Press Office