Report Shows Depression, Loneliness In Senior Population

A new report shows a significant number of older adults in Indiana deal with boredom, depression and loneliness.

The report comes from CICOA, an advocacy group for seniors. A survey sent to seniors in eight counties in the state found that 48 percent feel bored, 42 percent feel depressed, and 41 percent are dealing with a loss.

One positive change since the group’s last report concerns access to healthcare.

CICOA CEO Orion Bell says 34 percent of those surveyed say they are currently receiving care, a 26 percent jump since 2013.

“We’ve seen increases in the availability of home care, like attendant services in the home, more people able to access assisted living, or community based care, as opposed to institutional care,” Bell says.

Bell says CICOA shares their data with community planning organizations, as well as charitable groups like United Way.