As we age, we can begin to feel more isolated and lonely. Spouses pass away, children move away, and our independence and mobility disappears, making it harder to maintain relationships with others. This is a hard part of becoming an older adult, the lack of community and support that was around us at younger ages. Even when surrounded by people, you can feel lonely. Just the lack of connection with those around you can lead to feelings of isolation.
Humans are social creatures and are meant to maintain connection. Without these connections, we are at higher risk for certain health problems, mental health disorders, and an overall poor quality of life. Loneliness and being alone are not synonymous with one another, but go hand in hand. It’s important to recognize the difference and also know the impact of loneliness and what you can do if you feel lonely.
The difference between being alone and lonely
The biggest thing to understand about this topic Is the difference between being alone and feeling lonely. Dr. John T. Cacioppo did a lot of groundbreaking research on loneliness and found that the two concepts are different, but related. Being alone, or social isolation is the objective physical separation from other people. Loneliness is the subjective distressed feeling of being alone or separated. you can feel lonely while among other people and you can be alone, yet not feel lonely.
The main idea is accessibility. How accessible do you feel other people are? If you’re alone, but can call you family over for dinner, and you feel a true connection to them then you don’t have to worry about being lonely. However, if you feel like you can’t call anyone to come over or spend time with you, and being around other people doesn’t bring you solace, then there are some lonely feelings that you have.
Social isolation and immune system
Social isolation is not just a feeling that you live with. It can have severe consequences in terms of your health. Social isolation can negatively impact your immune system. When you lose connection with others, you may start to see the world differently. You may become more defensive and mistrusting of those around you. These feelings can ignite a defense mechanism that can alter your immune cells.
When you get sick, immune cells activate inflammatory processes to help remove the harmful substance and heal your body. The stress from social isolation can alter this process, which is very necessary for recovery. Inflammation that lasts too long increases the risk of chronic disease. Immune systems that don’t do enough may have trouble fighting off viruses which makes them more vulnerable to infectious diseases.
Loneliness and poor recovery
Loneliness can also lead to poor recovery from serious illnesses. Jason Falvey and Dr. Lauren Ferrante looked into the effect of social isolation and functional dependence on mortality, specifically in older adults recovering from critical illness. They found that increased social isolation after an ICU stay can increase the risk of disability and double the risk of death in older adults.
Following a serious injury or illness, social support is optimal for recovery. However, older adults in the United States find it difficult to stay socially active due to a combination of factors like access to transportation, location of family and more. Those without a good support system had double the risk of death when recovering from a serious illness, even when accounting for pre existing factors that could impact recovery.
Isolation and other health risks
In addition to poor recovery from diseases, isolation carries other health risks. Twenty eight percent of older adults report living alone. Friendships reduce the risk of mortality or developing certain diseases, but with COVID and a lack of independent mobility, it can be hard to maintain these relationships and stay engaged in the community. Poor social relationships were associated with a 29% increased risk of developing coronary heart disease and a 32% increase in the rise of stroke.
Loneliness is more dangerous than obesity and as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Living alone, being unmarried, no participation in social groups, fewer friends and strained relationships are all risk factors for premature mortality and increased risk of loneliness. retirement and physical impairments may also increase the risk of social isolation.
Loneliness can also increase risk for mental health disorders like depression. Depression in older adulthood is common with the culmination of the death of friends and family, impending mortality, limited independence and reduced community. Depression also negatively impacts people’s health, so the risk factors and impacts continuously aggregate until your body has no more fight left in it.
How to avoid loneliness
Loneliness can have severe health impacts, but it’s also very treatable. Loneliness is not a chronic disease to which there is no solution. It’s a state of being that can be changed. One way to avoid loneliness is to see what local programs are available in your community. Community centers, parks and recreation, and other community initiatives are in place to give seniors a place to interact with other people. Sometimes they have transportation, and they also may be in walking distance. It’s a good place to meet others who may be dealing with the same issues and need a companion.
Diverse Health Services can also help. We offer companionship as part of our services. Our home health workers can not only help with the care taking, but also provide company. They will talk, play games and engage in activities or hobbies that provide you some relief, especially if you don’t have any family around. They also can offer transportation to activities or community programs so you can build community with others.
Becoming a part of the community again after so much time away can be intimidating, but it’s necessary for your health. Reach out to your family about your feelings if you can and try to be more intentional about continuing friendships as long as possible. Also giving back and performing acts of service can give you a sense of purpose which is also very beneficial for your health and feelings of loneliness.
Sources:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks#:~:text=Health%20effects%20of%20social%20isolation,Alzheimer’s%20disease%2C%20and%20even%20death.
https://www.hrsa.gov/enews/past-issues/2019/january-17/loneliness-epidemic
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