Vol. 13 Issue 2

Washington University Review of Health Spring 2020
decline and encourage a more
positive, purposeful life. While I
continue my studies and path
towards medicine, I now understand
better than ever the value of care
beyond the clinic and the importance
of community engagement in
promoting positive physical and
mental health outcomes. With the
increased social distancing policies
implemented to combat the spread
of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, it
has become more important than
ever for people to engage with older
adults who have lost their support
systems, as increased socialization
is associated with lower rates of
depression, cognitive decline, and
physical disability. It has been
inspiring to see that, even amidst an
unprecedented global pandemic,
Create Circles is still training volunteers
to hold online visits with the
elderly and prevent the negative
effects of social isolation.
Although it hurts knowing I’ll never
speak with Martha again, I remain
inspired by her creativity and,
although I can never know for sure,
I like to think that speaking with
her and helping her develop her
project had a positive impact on her
life. My experience with Create
Circles helped me develop a deeper
appreciation for the unique challenges
faced by our aging population,
and how active engagement
can help combat the social isolation,
It surprised me
how much I could
be affected by the
death of someone
I had only spoken
with three times.
As I thought about
the exciting project
plans Martha and I
had made, I found
myself grieving not
just Martha, but
her lost opportunity
to share her
wonderful voice
with the world.
negative stigma, and loss of PIL
associated with aging. I will always
remember the joy Martha exuded
while sharing her fantastic stories,
and I intend to apply the lessons I
learned from Create Circles and
emulate Martha’s infectious energy
in all aspects of my life.
For those interested in getting
involved with Create Circles’ virtual
engagement, please visit https://www.
studentstoseniors.com/to learn more.
References
“About Us.” Create Circles. https://www.createcircles.org/about-us-1.
Musich, Shirley et al. “Purpose in Life and Positive
Health Outcomes Among Older Adults.”
Population health management vol. 21, no. 2,
2018, pp. 139-147. doi:10.1089/pop.2017.0063
“Social isolation, loneliness in older people
pose health risks.” National Institute on Aging,
U.S.
Writer: Angela Chen
Editor: Sophia Xiao
Illustrator: Angela Chen
Department of Health & Human Services, April
23, 2019.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks.
The Metaphorical
Golden, J., Conroy, R. M., & Lawlor, B. A. “Social
support network structure in older people:
Underlying dimensions and association with
psychological and physical health.”
Virus
Psychology, Health & Medicine,
vol. 14, no. 3, 2009, pp. 280–290.
doi:10.1080/13548500902730135
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