Technically, we've never been more connected or had relationships with as many people as we do today, thanks to social networks on the internet. Yet, while these platforms bring convenience, they are also increasing loneliness and reducing face-to-face interactions.

However, technology isn't solely a problem; it can facilitate the easier pairing of individuals who wish to assist those lacking a real-world social network. Take Papa, for example, a company that provides social support by pairing older adults and families with trained and vetted companions known as Papa Pals. In this brief episode, you will listen to a discussion with Ellen Rudy, the former Head of Research and Social Impact, whom I met at HLTH 2023.

Below is the interview transcript, redacted for clarity.

Let's start with a basic description of what Papa does and why it matters.

Certainly. Papa is a tech-enabled company that connects humans to humans. We have a network of Papa Pals who connect with older adults and vulnerable people to provide companionship, care, and help with everyday activities. It's important because 1 out of 5 older adults don't have anyone to assist them, and this lack of support can lead to health deterioration. Papa provides a preventive solution by facilitating social connections.

How many members do you have, and could you discuss the demographics of your participants?

We have up to 3 million members, mainly through health plans like Medicare Advantage. Our Papa Pals often include early retirees, with more women than men. Surveys show being a Pal is purposeful and rewarding, driving them to continue offering companionship.

You mention "human connection as medicine" on your website. Can you explain this concept?

We believe human connection is as crucial as physical, mental, and social health. Loneliness can lead to health decline, and our data supports this, showing reduced emergency visits and medical expenses for participants. Strong social health is critical for overall well-being.

Do you have any younger adults involved?

Yes, our Pals range from college students to those in their 70s. It's a flexible job, appealing to a variety of people, including pre-med students seeking caregiving experience.

What other services or technologies are impacting this space?

Platforms that facilitate connection are vital, especially against the backdrop of loneliness. However, while digitalization has made life more convenient, it also isolates us. It's crucial to find a balance between leveraging technology and maintaining human interaction.

How can we balance embracing digital platforms when they contribute to loneliness?

Digital platforms are one factor among many contributing to loneliness, including changes in living arrangements and family structures. We need to understand and mitigate the impact of digital isolation while embracing its benefits, like the ease of connecting people across distances.

How can we address the needs of an aging population while respecting their independence?

The desire for independence is strong among older Americans, and many prefer to age at home. The challenge is to start early, shifting cultural perceptions towards community living while preserving individual choice. This requires creating awareness and new social norms around aging and independence.

What are the challenges in changing these perceptions?

One challenge is balancing the desire for independence with the realities of aging and isolation. We need to create societal changes that support aging individuals in staying connected and living fulfilling lives, whether in their own homes or in community settings. This involves rethinking housing, care, and community structures to better suit our changing demographic landscape.

What's the most challenging aspect for you and Papa?

The biggest challenge is making those in health plans truly understand the implications of loneliness and solitude. They often seek immediate return on investment, but the detrimental effects of loneliness on cognitive function, physical decline, and increased mortality aren't quickly reversible. Convincing people to invest in prevention is difficult, especially when the impact of loneliness doesn't resonate with everyone as it does with us.

Are there any specific data points or findings from Papa that surprised you?

One striking finding is the significant portion of our population that is severely lonely, particularly long-term loneliness among older adults. This has shifted our focus to tertiary prevention, aiming to prevent further deterioration rather than expecting to completely alleviate their loneliness. It's about maintaining human connection. Additionally, analyzing our data through a health equity lens reveals profound disparities, especially among low-income individuals and those with disabilities, emphasizing the need for targeted support.

Any final thoughts on the subject of loneliness and social isolation?

I'm optimistic about the increasing conversation around loneliness and social isolation, particularly following the significant report by Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. I believe it sets the stage for policy changes and a shift towards connection-centric strategies. It's a long-term investment, but I am hopeful for substantial change in addressing loneliness.