Decades of research have shown that social isolation and loneliness can be as dangerous to your health as smoking or obesity. On this edition of Aging Matters, we will explore how growing older can be an isolating experience and the difference between being isolated and feeling isolated or lonely. We’ll also look at innovative ways to create communities that prevent isolation and social withdrawal as we age.

Insight Counseling Centers, in partnership with Nashville Public Television (NPT), invites you to a screening of NPT’s Aging Matters series episode on Loneliness & Isolation on Thursday, September 27th from 9 am - 11 am at Insight Counseling Centers' Nashville location in Brook Hollow Baptist Church. A continental breakfast will be provided, and an expert panel discussion with audience Q&A will immediately follow the screening. This event is free and open to the public; however, space is limited. RSVP ahead of time to reserve your spot!

Featured Panelists

Dr. Dwight Hughes

Dr. Dwight Hughes is a Pastoral Counselor who serves Insight Counseling Centers’ offices in Nashville and Franklin. Dwight holds a Master of Divinity from Candler school of Theology at Emory, a Doctor of Ministry in Counseling from Wesley Theological Seminary, and a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Belmont University. He takes great delight in guiding individuals, couples, groups and religious leaders to new levels of their potential, despite the stress, trauma and challenges encountered during this life. As a former pastor, Dwight relies heavily on the divine force and uses a multi-theoretical approach to address issues that prevent clients from living fully and freely.

Dr. James S. Powers

James S. Powers, MD is Professor of Medicine, and Adjunct Associate Professor of Nursing at Vanderbilt where he runs the Geriatric Fellowship. He is also the Associate Clinical Director of the Tennessee Valley GRECC. Beginning with a small teaching nursing home program, he developed a Geriatric Clinic at Vanderbilt as well as a Consult and Senior Care Service at the VA Hospital in 1987 followed by an Inpatient Senior Care Service at Vanderbilt in 1990, using a collaborative interdisciplinary practice model. Author of over 100 papers, books, and book chapters he is in great demand as a lecturer and has devoted his academic career to Geriatric Nutrition, Education, and Healthcare Quality and Safety.

Carol Smith, M.Div., LMFT

Carol Smith is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and serves as Insight Counseling Centers’ Director of Clinical Services & Training. Carol holds a Master of Marriage & Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University and a
Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She has practiced therapy with Insight for the past ten years and sees clients at Insight’s offices in Franklin and Nashville. Acceptance, encouragement, exhortation and faith are gifts she offers as she joins clients in the process of finding their way through their current experiences.

Aging Matters: Loneliness & Isolation is the eleventh documentary in Nashville Public Television’s NPT Reports: Aging Matters series. The series is hosted by Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Kathy Mattea. Aging Matters: Loneliness & Isolation is made possible by the generous support of the West End Home Foundation, the Jeanette Travis Foundation, The HCA Foundation and Cigna-HealthSpring. Additional support was provided by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and Jackson National Life Insurance Company.