Loneliness and Social Isolation
Loneliness and Social Isolation: Tips to Follow for Staying Connected
Everyone requires social connections to survive and thrive. But as people get old, they usually find themselves spending more time alone. Being alone may make older adults more vulnerable to loneliness and isolation, impacting their mental health and #wellbeing. Research has revealed that loneliness and social isolation can increase health risks such as?depression, heart disease, and cognitive decline. You may be more likely to feel lonely and socially isolated if you are in poor health. This, in turn, can impact your physical and mental health. Adults who lack social connections and experience loneliness are more likely to have shorter lifespans, longer hospital stays, and higher readmission rates than those with strong social support networks.
How is loneliness different from social isolation?
Due to the growing number of older adults, many face the challenges of social isolation and loneliness. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened these issues, as concerns for health and the need for physical distancing. Social isolation and loneliness are different but related. Loneliness is the distressing feeling of being alone and separated. Social isolation refers to lacking social connections and having limited people to interact with regularly. You can live alone without feeling lonely or socially isolated, and you can feel lonely while surrounded by others. Due to changes in health and social connections that often come with aging, such as hearing, vision, and memory loss, disability, and the loss of loved ones, older adults are more vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness.
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How does feeling lonely or isolated impact older adults’ mental health?
Being socially isolated or feeling lonely can have a major impact on the health of older adults. Those who are isolated or lonely are at increased risk of being admitted to emergency rooms or nursing homes. Furthermore, they have higher risks for:
People who are lonely or isolated may have a lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and poor sleep patterns, which can further increase the risk of severe health conditions. Emotional pain can trigger similar stress responses in the body as physical pain. When this lasts for a long time, it can result in chronic inflammation and reduced immunity. This increases your risk of chronic disease and can leave a person more vulnerable to infectious diseases. Social isolation and loneliness also affect mental health. They have been linked to poorer cognitive function and a higher risk for dementia. Moreover, a lack of social activity and being alone may decrease the ability to perform daily tasks such as driving, paying bills, and cooking.
Continue Reading: Loneliness and Social Isolation: Tips to Follow for Staying Connected
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