Loneliness and social isolation among older adults is a serious public health risk that affects a significant number of people in the United States and puts them at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions.
report Researchers at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) found that more than one-third of adults over the age of 45 feel lonely, and nearly one-quarter of adults over the age of 65 are socially isolated. He points out that it is believed that there are.1 Older people are at higher risk of loneliness and social isolation because they are more likely to live alone, face loss of family and friends, chronic illness, hearing loss, and other factors.
Loneliness is the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact you have. Social isolation is a lack of social connection. Some people feel lonely because of social isolation, while others feel lonely even when they are not socially isolated.
Health risks of loneliness
Although social isolation and loneliness are difficult to measure accurately, there is strong evidence that many adults over the age of 50 are socially isolated or lonely in ways that put their health at risk. Recent research has found that:
- Social isolation significantly increases the risk of premature death from all causes, which can be comparable to the risks of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.1
- Social isolation was associated with an approximately 50% increased risk of dementia.1
- Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation and loneliness) were associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.1
- Loneliness was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
- Loneliness in heart failure patients was associated with an almost four-fold increased risk of death, a 68% increased risk of hospitalization, and a 57% increased risk of emergency department visits.1
Immigrants and LGBT people are at higher risk
The report highlights the loneliness of vulnerable older people, including immigrants. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. minority. and victims of elder abuse. They also note that the literature base for these populations is sparse and further research is needed to determine the risks, impacts, and appropriate actions needed.
Current research shows that immigrants, lesbians, gays and bisexual people experience loneliness more often than other groups. For example, Latino immigrants “have fewer social connections and lower levels of social integration than U.S.-born Latinos.” According to the report, first-generation immigrants experience stressors that can increase social isolation, including language barriers, community differences, familial relationships, and new relationships that lack depth and history. It is said that they are doing so. Similarly, gay, lesbian, and bisexual people are more likely than straight people to feel lonely due to stigma, discrimination, and barriers to care.
What to do if you feel lonely?
Your doctor can assess your risk for loneliness and social isolation and connect you with local resources for help if needed. The following national organizations also provide helpful resources:
AARP– Provide seniors with information and access to community connection tools to help improve their quality of life.
Regional Agencies on Aging (AAA) – A network of more than 620 organizations across the United States that provide information and assistance with programs including nutrition and feeding programs (counseling, home delivery or group meals), caregiver support, and more. This website can help you find a local AAA that offers Tai Chi and diabetes self-management classes.
Elderly care search—A free national service that helps find local resources for seniors, including financial assistance, caregiving services, transportation, and more. It also includes a brochure that shows how volunteering can help you stay connected to society.
National Council on Aging-Works with nonprofits, governments, and businesses to deliver community programs and services. Here you’ll find senior programs available to support healthy aging and financial security, including the Aging Mastery Program®, which is proven to improve social connectedness and healthy eating habits. Masu.
National Institute on Aging (NIA)– Provide resources on social isolation and loneliness for older adults, caregivers, and health care providers. Materials include health information, print publications that you can view or order a free paper copy of, health care provider flyers, and social media graphics and posts.
Interventions in the health system are key
In general, people are social by nature, and quality social relationships help them live longer, healthier lives. Health systems are important partners in identifying loneliness and preventing loneliness-related medical conditions, but they are underutilized.
Almost every adult over the age of 50 interacts with the healthcare system in some way. For people without social connections, a doctor’s visit or home health nurse visit may be one of the few face-to-face encounters. This presents a unique opportunity for clinicians to identify people at risk of loneliness and social isolation.
NASEM recommends that clinicians regularly assess patients who may be at risk and connect them with community resources for assistance. In clinical practice, NASEM recommends the use of the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index (to measure social isolation) and the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale (to measure loneliness).
However, patients must make their own decisions. Some people may like to be alone. It is also important to note that social isolation and loneliness are two different aspects of social relationships, and they are not significantly related. However, both can put your health at risk.