The coronavirus in 2020 brought considerable challenges due to mental health because of the dictates for physical distancing. Since then, people have reported continued feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
Loneliness and social isolation are somewhat different, but have similarities. Loneliness is the feeling of being alone or separated. Social isolation is a lack of social contacts and having relatively few people to interact with on a regular basis. Depending on your ability to connect with other, you can feel lonely in a group of people and you can live by yourself and not feel lonely or socially isolated.
The need for social connection
We all need social connections. But as we age, we may spend more time alone. Studies have shown that the number of older adults age 65 and older is growing, with many feeling socially isolated and lonely. This in turn can affect their health and well-being. According to research, loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks for health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline.
If someone is in poor health, they can be more likely to be socially isolated or lonely. Additionally, if someone is socially isolated or feeling lonely, it puts their physical and mental health at risk. Older adults who are lonely or socially isolated are typically less healthy, stay in hospital longer, are readmitted to hospitals more frequently, and are more likely to die younger than others with meaningful social connections. Older adults who are socially isolated or lonely have higher risks for:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Weakened immune function
- Cognitive decline
- Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease
- Death
Feeling lonely or being isolated and mental health
Social isolation and loneliness can be detrimental for brain health. They’ve been linked to poorer cognitive function as well as a higher risk for dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Reduced social activity and being alone a lot can contribute to a decline in a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks such as driving, taking medicine, cooking, and paying bills.
Adults who are lonely or socially isolated often don’t get enough exercise, drink excess alcohol, smoke, and don’t sleep well, which can further increase the risk of serious health conditions including anxiety and depression.
People who are lonely can have difficulty being motivated to socialize. Losing connection and the feeling of community changes the way a person perceives the world. People experiencing chronic loneliness sometimes feel threatened and mistrustful of others.
Research has shown that the emotional pain from loneliness can trigger the same stress responses in the body as physical pain. If this continues for a long time, it can cause chronic inflammation that can damage tissues as well as reduced immunity and ability to fight off disease. This raises a person’s risk of chronic diseases and can even leave someone more vulnerable to infectious diseases.
There are things you can do to help protect yourself from the negative effects of loneliness and social isolation. First of all, it’s important to take care of yourself. Remember to exercise, eat healthy, get enough sleep, and pursue activities you enjoy to remain as mentally and physically healthy as possible.
Make an effort to stay active and connect with family and friends. People who partake in meaningful, enjoyable activities with others feel a sense of purpose and tend to live longer. For example, volunteering and helping others in turn makes you feel less lonely and allow gives you to have a sense of purpose in life, which is linked to better health and a longer life. Research shows these types of activities can boost your mood and improve your well-being and cognitive function.
Ways to stay connected
Here are some ways to stay or get connected. Find an activity you enjoy, restart an old hobby, or take a class to learn something new, like cooking. You might have some fun and meet people with similar interests as yours.
Stay physically active and do a group exercise, such as a walking club or working out with a friend. Adults should work out at least 150 minutes a week doing something that makes you breathe hard. This can include simple things, such as brisk walking.
Schedule some time every day to talk with family, friends, or neighbors either in person, by email, social media, phone call, or text. Make an effort to talk with people you trust and share your feelings. Try new activities with friends and family to help nurture and strengthen the relationships. Sending spontaneous cards is another good way to maintain friendships.
If your friends and family are far way, try using communication technologies such as phone calls and video chat to keep you connected. If you’re not tech-savvy, sign up for a class at the public library or community center to help you learn how to use email or social media.
Many people find connection in faith-based organizations where they engage with others in activities and events. Another option for meeting people is through resources and programs at local social service agencies, community and senior centers, and public libraries.
Pets are a great way to feel connected. Consider adopting a cat or a dog if you are able to care for them. Animals can be a source of comfort, can lower stress and blood pressure and can help you meet other people.
Randi Fredricks, Ph.D.
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