Social isolation affects older adults and people of all ages.Everyone needs social connections to survive and thrive. But as people age, they often find themselves spending more time alone. Being alone may leave older adults more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which can affect their health and well-being. Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks for health problems such as heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline.
If you are in poor health, you may be more likely to be socially isolated or lonely. If you are socially isolated or feeling lonely, it can put your physical and mental health at risk. Adults who are lonely or socially isolated tend to be less healthy, have longer hospital stays, are readmitted to the hospital more often, and are more likely to die earlier than those with meaningful and supportive social connections.
What is Loneliness?
Loneliness is feeling alone or disconnected from others. It is feeling like you do not have meaningful or close relationships or a sense of belonging. It reflects the difference between a person’s actual and desired level of connection. This means that even a person with a lot of friends can feel lonely.
What is Social Isolation?
Social isolation as the lack of relationships with others and little to no social support or contact. It is associated with risk even if people don’t feel lonely.
What is the difference between loneliness and social isolation?
The number of older adults age 65 and older is growing, and many are socially isolated and regularly feel lonely.Loneliness and social isolation are different, but related. Loneliness is the distressing feeling of being alone or separated. Social isolation is the lack of social contacts and having few people to interact with regularly. You can live alone and not feel lonely or socially isolated, and you can feel lonely while being with other people.Older adults are at higher risk for social isolation and loneliness due to changes in health and social connections that can come with growing older, hearing, vision, and memory loss, disability, trouble getting around, and/or the loss of family and friends.
How can feeling lonely or being isolated affect older adults’ health?
People who are socially isolated or lonely are more likely to be admitted to the emergency room or to a nursing home. Social isolation and loneliness also are associated with higher risks for:
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart Disease
- Obesity
- Weakened immune function
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cognitive decline
- Dementia
- Death
Ways to combat loneliness and social isolation
- Maintain current connections: Take the energy to stay connected to those already in your life. Whatever be the mean, try to schedule a time each day to get in touch with friends and family.
- Engage in online social activities: The pandemic increased access to online social activities.The options are nearly limitless now you can attend faith-based groups, online classes, support groups, and more, all from the comfort of your home.Video chatting through applications such as Zoom, FaceTime, or other avenues also provides outlets to keep up with your loved ones near and far.
- Volunteer: Volunteering with local organizations can provide an opportunity to give back to your community while forming and maintaining social relationships.
- Care for a pet: For those who can care for pets, research has shown the companionships formed with pets improves both physical and mental healthon older adults.
- Establish a daily social routine: Incorporating at least one social outlet that seems enjoyable and feasible into your daily routine will help you to form better social habits.
- Find grief support: Older adults often suffer a variety of different types of losses, whether that be from the loss of a spouse, close friend or relatives.Grief-support groups can help you navigate grief while also providing social support during that time. Many hospice organizations provide free bereavement or caregiver support groups to join.
- Talk with your primary care provider: Talk over loneliness or social isolation concerns with your doctor or care giver. They can connect you with specific community resources that can get you more socially engaged and help improve your health.
- Explore your sources of joy: Consider what your source of joy is. Take the time to identify your source of joy and ways to form and maintain strong social connections as part of a healthy routine.
Spotting loneliness vs depression in adults
Although they may look similar, it’s important to know the difference between loneliness and depression.
Loneliness can be a risk factor contributing to depression, but depression is a serious mental health concern including the following symptoms: feeling sad or down most days, little interest in daily activities, disruptions in sleep or appetite or thoughts of death.
Depression and other mental health concerns are things that can managed and treated in the primary care or specialty settings.
