Join us on Wednesday, May 6, at 11:00 a.m. (Washington, D.C. time) for the "AFSM Webinar Series: Strategies for building social connections after retirement".
Background
According to a recently published WHO report, “loneliness and social isolation are major public health challenges,” as they contribute to numerous negative physical and mental health outcomes and increased mortality risk.
Widowhood, retirement, and caregiving roles often lead to social isolation and loneliness. However, community-based and individual strategies are very effective in helping older people make social connections after the loss of a spouse or a job and in finding support for caregiving duties.
This webinar will explore why the WHO established a Commission on Social Connection and how social connection is associated with better health and a lower risk of early death. Additionally, PAHO/WHO retirees will discuss about how they have successfully maintained strong social bonds over the years since retirement.
This event is part of the contribution of the Association of Former PAHO/WHO Staff Members (AFSM) to the Decade of Healthy Aging in the Americas (2021–2030), supporting efforts to promote healthier, longer lives for older people and their caregivers.
How to participate
DATE: Wednesday, 6 May, 2026
TIME: 11:00 - 12:00 p.m. (EDT)
REGISTRATION: https://paho-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QKWmk-FwRLyOVrbbYjggVw
This event will be held in English.
Agenda
- Welcome and Introductions (5 mins)
- Report of the WHO Commission on Social Connection (20 mins)
- Kazuki Yamada, WHO
- AFSM panel: Drawing from personal experience, AFSM members will discuss individual strategies for maintaining social connections after the loss of a spouse and/or retirement. (20 mins)
- Q/A: open forum for questions (15 mins)