Join Dr. Marla Berg-Weger, Ph.D., LCSW, as she provides an overview of definitions, prevalence, risk factors, and the social, physical, and mental health impacts of loneliness and social isolation on older adults. She will introduce the audience to a non-pharmacological evidence-based intervention, Circle of Friends, which was developed in Finland over two decades ago. This group intervention is shown to decrease the loneliness, social isolation, and the associated physical and mental health challenges. Saint Louis University is the first organization in the U.S. to provide training for this intervention.

Marla Berg-Weger, Ph.D., LCSW, is a Professor Emeritus at Saint Louis University School of Social Work as well as the Executive Director of the Gateway Geriatric Education Center, and a Fellow in the Gerontological Society of America.

Dr. Berg-Weger is currently the Project Director of the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program located in the School of Medicine Division of Geriatric Medicine.

During 27 years at Saint Louis University, she has also served as Social Work Director of Field Education and University Senior Associate Provost of Academic Affairs, Interim Dean, College of Education and Public Service and School for Professional Studies. Her scholarly work focuses on aging, family caregiving, and social work practice. She has authored four books and 100+ book chapters and journal articles. Recent research focuses on family caregiving, cognitive stimulation therapy, driving, and loneliness and social isolation.