An Unidentified Speaker, a clinical psychologist with Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network, told a community audience in Connecticut that strengthening social ties can prevent or lessen mental-health problems among older adults.

The presenter opened with disclosures that she has no pharmaceutical ties and described Hartford HealthCare’s statewide prevention and treatment services. She said research shows "one in five Americans" will meet criteria for a mental illness at some point and that about 15% of people over 50 experience symptoms such as low mood, sleep changes or loss of energy.

Why it matters: the presenter framed loneliness and social isolation as risk multipliers for chronic illness and poorer recovery from physical conditions. Citing recent studies and national commentary, she said loneliness remains widespread after the COVID-19 pandemic and noted public-health leaders have called attention to the issue.

Practical signs and screening: the presenter recommended a simple three-question screen to spot loneliness: how often a person lacks companionship, feels left out and feels isolated, each rated from 1 (hardly at all) to 3 (all the time). She said higher combined scores (for example, consistently in the 6–9 range) should prompt a check-in and, when persistent, referral to professional help.

Risk factors and protective steps: she listed common risks for older adults—chronic illness, medication side effects, reduced mobility, financial strain, caregiving burdens and shrinking social circles—and urged adding protective factors such as maintaining routines, volunteering, grief-support groups and pet companionship. "Connection is the best treatment for loneliness," she said, calling social ties a preventive intervention that can reduce anxiety, depression and even some physical-health risks.

Local resources and crisis lines: the presenter pointed attendees to community supports and helplines, citing the Hartford Center for Healthy Aging and programs run by Community Health Resources (CHR) and local senior centers. She urged people to call 2-1-1 for non-emergency supports, 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and 911 for emergencies.

Next steps and closing: the presenter encouraged attendees to prepare resource lists in advance, to learn how to ask directly about loneliness and suicidal thoughts, and to use technology (video calls) when in-person contact is difficult. She stayed after the talk to answer questions and directed people to resource tables at the event.

The talk closed with a reminder that many people experience loneliness and that outreach and community connections are practical steps individuals and towns can take to reduce harm.