Presentation Description:

This presentation will provide an overview of the key concepts and definitions of loneliness and social isolation, their prevalence among older adults, and key risk and protective factors for older adults.  The physical and psychological health impact of loneliness and social isolation for older adults will be discussed.  Evidence-based strategies for assessment and interventions will also be reviewed.

Presenter Bio:

Dr. Karra Harrington is a postdoctoral research scholar at Penn State’s Center for Healthy Aging and a clinical psychologist. Her research interests include reducing loneliness in vulnerable populations, prevention of age-related cognitive decline and dementia, and development of digital tools to enhance psychological assessment and intervention methods. She holds a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Melbourne and a Master of Psychology (Clinical) from Deakin University. Harrington is co-founder of the Write Smarter: Feel Better program and app, designed to support productivity and wellbeing for graduate research students.