How a life of loneliness harms your health

No matter where you live – big city or tiny town – there is apparent widespread loneliness sweeping across the U.S.  In fact, one study states that feeling lonely affects three out of every four people, spiking at specific times during adulthood – your late 20s, mid-50s and late 80 being the riskiest of feeling alone. Another study found that up to two-fifths of Americans felt a lack of meaningful relationships and companionship, stating they are isolated from others.

Keep in mind, loneliness is not simply isolation from others. You may be married with a network of friends and still feel lonely. Loneliness is complex.  It can include anxious feelings about a lack of connection or communication with others.  You can be in a crowd of people or living in a city of millions and still feel lonely.  We may be more “socially connected” than ever through social media, but apparently that isn’t enough to keep us from experiencing a sense of loneliness.  And being lonely is not good for your health. 

Loneliness and your health

News from a recent study of results from two large analyses found that loneliness may be more hazardous to your health than being obese. According to the American Association of Retired People (AARP), around 42.6 million American adults over the age of 45 suffer from loneliness.

The first research looked at 148 studies including over 300,000 people while the second research team reviewed 70 studies involving more than 3.4 million people.  Both studies found that individuals who were either isolated, lonely or lived alone had a greater risk of premature death.  In fact, anyone having all three factors had an equal or greater risk to their health than someone who is obese.

Part of the reason for this apparently growing incidence of loneliness has to do with the changing demographics of the American public.  More than one in four Americans lives alone, over half are not married, the number of people getting married is decreasing, and there are fewer numbers of children being born per household than ever before.

As these trends continue, it is becoming more obvious that the nation is becoming less socially connected in terms of less direct human interaction resulting in loneliness.  Some countries around the world who are seeing the same effects are suggesting we are facing a loneliness epidemic.

This trend of isolation and loneliness has been going on for some time.   The National Council on Aging reports that one in six adults ages 65 and older is isolated, either socially or geographically.  In 2010, an American Association of Retired Persons survey found 25 percent of people ages 70 and older experience loneliness.

For older adults, loneliness and isolation can especially affect their health and well-being.  A 2012 study in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine reported that people who suffered from loneliness were 59 percent more likely to lose the ability to perform tasks of daily living and 45 percent more likely to die early.  Other studies have associated loneliness with depression, high blood pressure and a higher risk of coronary artery disease.

Having social connections with others improves the lives of all of us, young and old, both mentally and physically.  We are meant to be social creatures engaging with friends and family and when doing so, it tends to keep us healthier, happier and with stronger feelings of connection.

How to fight back isolation and loneliness

To fend off loneliness from encroaching your life, here are a few strategies to use that may help you gain a sense of control over emotions and to provide a bit of self-reflection:

·      Promote a sense of purpose

A sense of purpose in life is crucial to prevent feelings of negativity.   It gives us a reason to get up each day and be a part of society.  Becoming or remaining active in hobbies and interests we have and connecting with others who share those same values is vital to keeping socially connected.

·      Have something to nurture

Whether it be pet ownership, caring for children/grandchildren, the elderly, or tending to a beautiful garden, taking the time to be nurturing can make a world of difference.  When we care for or nurture others or things, our attitude brightens, depression is reduced, and motivation increases.  

·      Attend a weekly worship service of your choice

There are many studies showing the benefits of churchgoing – lower mortality rates, sense of purpose, better social interaction – plus other churchgoers can be a second set of eyes on the elderly recognizing any declines that might otherwise go unnoticed.

·      The power of touch

We all need the feeling of being touched – a hug, hand holding, an arm draped across our shoulders – can lower stress and promote a feeling of love and belonging.  Anyone living alone or the elderly may rarely be touched leading to feelings of being unwanted or unworthy.  Remember to always give people some form of touch to let them know you care. 

·      Show extra attention to anyone going through a rough time

The loss of a spouse, someone with a serious illness, a coworker who has lost their job are all examples of people who need extra support and emotional backing during their times of trial.  Spending time with them can go a long ways toward helping them heal in the grieving process.

·      Join a club or volunteer

Discover what interests or passions you have – maybe its reading, watching old movies, jazz, or a collectors club.   Find and join an organization associated with that interest.  Being around others who share your passion can be socially gratifying.  Volunteering is another way to meet other people keeping you focused outward so you worry less about yourself and care more about others.

·      Reach out by phone or a visit

Reach out to others living alone or isolated with a phone call or visit. That one quick phone call can improve the well-being of someone living alone sensing that others care.