What are The Effects of Isolation on Health and Cognition
COVID-19 allowed us to discover so much about us as humans being part of a system, I am extremely devastated by the number of deaths and fear that is being propagated around the globe. But also a bit excited to participate in the world's biggest experiment, the whole world voluntarily or being coerced to stay at home in self-isolation.
“All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” -Blaise Pascal
Staying at home for God knows how many days is easy? right? the field of psychology has studied these phenomena for years. Last year the American Psychology Associate published an article "Social Isolation: it could kill you"
Human beings are social animals and our biological, psychological, and social systems evolved to thrive in collaborative networks of people. If you put one human in the jungle he will probably not survive, but if you put 100 humans, they will become the apex predator, communication and the ability to collaborate, hunt and work together was an extremely important skill to advance as species.
Effects of Isolation on health
Some studies suggest that the impact of isolation and loneliness on health and mortality is of the same order of magnitude as such risk factors like high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking.
People who are more socially connected show less inflammation. Conversely, people who are more isolated and lonely show increased chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been implicated in a variety of chronic diseases,” said Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University.
“Loneliness increases earlier death by 26%, social isolation by 29% and living alone by 32%.”
A study looked at total mortality in a group of men for whom social networks were known. Some 32,624 healthy men were followed and 511 deaths occurred. Socially isolated men (not married, fewer than six friends or relatives, no memberships in religious or social organizations) had a 90% increased risk of cardiovascular death and more than double the risk of death from an accident or suicide. They also had double the risk of non-fatal stroke. (Kawachi et al., 1996)
Poor social relationships in general (social isolation and loneliness) were associated with a 29% increase in the risk of coronary heart disease and a 32% increase in stroke risk.
Effects of isolation on Cognition
People placed in isolation may experience hallucinations. The lack of stimuli causes people to misattribute internal thoughts and feelings as occurring in the outer environment.
Loneliness is known to be a major risk factor for depression, which itself accelerates functional decline and increases the mortality rate. (Mehta et al., 2002)
Perceived isolation and loneliness are associated with increased sympathetic nervous system activity, increased inflammation, and decreased sleep, all of which can accelerate brain and cardiovascular aging. (Cacioppo, et al., 2011)
Another study also concluded that loneliness increases the risk of dementia. However, the absence of social interaction itself may also be a primary factor in that social stimulation can help maintain brain health (Cacioppo & Hawkley, 2009; Cacioppo et al., 2014).
Solutions
First of all, we have to be aware that it is unnatural for us to be isolated and it is ok to feel more anxious than usual, especially if you are prone to mild depression or anxiety.
Finishing activities that you like can boost your endorphins, picking up that musical instrument that you have not played since middle school or finishing that book that is sitting on the shelf collecting dust. You can learn something new that is not related to your work like programming or marketing. Or you can decide to make a healthy habit to finally stick like writing a todo list or meditation.
Spending time with family who exhibits healthy habits may reinforce healthy behaviors, improve access to health-related information, better nutrition, more physical activity(Cornwell & Waite, 2009)
Great news for pet owners, there is an increasing amount of evidence that pets, especially dogs and cats, are associated with health benefits and reduced mortality.