Dr. Ruth Westheimer, renowned for her role as a syndicated talk show host and counselor on sexual health in the 1980s and 1990s, has embarked on a new mission as New York’s first loneliness ambassador. This appointment, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, positions Dr. Ruth at the forefront of combating the loneliness epidemic, an issue that has gained prominence in the wake of COVID-19 lockdowns.
In her new role, Dr. Ruth will lead efforts to tackle the increasing problem of social isolation, which is linked to various physical and mental health issues, including cognitive decline, anxiety, depression, weakened immunity, Alzheimer’s disease, and premature death. A 2020 study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine revealed that one-quarter of adults aged 65 and older are considered socially isolated, and one-third of adults over 45 experience loneliness, irrespective of their amount of social contact.
Dr. James McDonald, New York’s health commissioner, expressed optimism about Dr. Ruth’s appointment, highlighting its potential to help people cope with feelings of loneliness and forge new connections.
Dr. Ruth, who turned 94 in June 2022, had expressed her desire to help lonely people in New York, particularly in light of the pandemic’s impact. Her extensive experience as a sex therapist and professor at Columbia University’s Teachers College, coupled with her personal history as a Holocaust survivor and member of the Kindertransport, adds depth to her understanding of human connection and resilience.
Born in Germany to Jewish parents who were killed during the Holocaust, Dr. Ruth found refuge from the Nazi regime through the Kindertransport of Jewish children across Europe. She later emigrated to British-ruled Palestine and served in Haganah, a precursor to the Israel Defense Forces. She currently resides in Upper Manhattan.
This new role marks a significant shift in Dr. Ruth’s career, from addressing sexual health to tackling the equally important issue of loneliness, reflecting her commitment to enhancing the well-being of individuals in society.