Why Loneliness Matters to Your Health
Healthy aging is about more than staying active, eating well, and keeping up with medical appointments. It also means having connection, purpose, and support. For older adults, loneliness and social isolation are important health factors. Berkshire County has an older population than Massachusetts overall: 24% of residents are age 65 or older, compared with 17% statewide.
The 2025 Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) Community Health Needs Assessment also found that social isolation and loneliness came up often in local community conversations as challenges for older adults, especially in our more rural towns. These challenges can affect physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. A lack of regular connection can increase the risk of heart disease, depression, cognitive decline, and complications from chronic conditions. Staying connected with others, finding meaningful activities, and feeling supported by the community can all play a key role in healthy aging.
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Adrien Conklin
Director of Nursing Practice for BHS Provider Practices
I see daily that people’s health is deeply connected to their everyday lives. Sometimes the biggest barriers are not medical. Needing a ride to the pharmacy or medical appointments, meal help, feeling lonely, or needing extra support at home are all common barriers. Asking these questions helps us understand better what someone needs to connect them with local community resources that can make a real difference.
At BHS, we ask because we care. If you have been to your primary care provider’s office recently, you may have been asked to complete a health screening questionnaire. BHS asks patients about more than just their medical symptoms to help identify everyday needs. Questions about social support, transportation, housing, food access, prescription costs, and loneliness help us better understand what may additionally be affecting your health and well-being.
When a need is found, patients may be connected with a Community Health Worker. BHS Community Health Workers are part of our care team and help patients navigate challenges that can make it harder to stay healthy. These may include finding transportation, accessing food or housing support, understanding prescription cost concerns, connecting with local services, or finding programs that reduce loneliness and isolation.
For older adults, this support can be especially helpful. A Community Health Worker can help find local resources, senior services, transportation options, caregiver support, and community programs that promote connection, independence, and well-being. Sometimes, the right support starts with a simple conversation about what is happening outside the doctor’s office.
BHS care navigation services, Community Health Workers, and other support programs can help connect patients, care givers, and families with local resources that support health and quality of life. Local organizations, including Elder Services of Berkshire County, local Councils on Aging, and Senior Centers, can also help older adults and caregivers find programs, services, and opportunities to stay connected.
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Charles Redd
DEI Officer for BHS
Life can interfere with our ability to care for ourselves.
If you or someone you care about could use help connecting with community support, talk with your BHS primary care team to learn more. You can also visit our We Ask Because We Care page or watch Charles Redd, BHS DEI Officer, on Pittsfield Community Television’s Berkshire Health Program: It’s Okay to Ask for Help.