The Effects of Chronic Loneliness on the Elderly

According to a recent paper by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. Among older adults, social isolation has been linked to various adverse physical and psychological effects, including increased risk of dementia and heart disease.

Loneliness

Loneliness is the subjective and distressing feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact. Social isolation is a lack of social connections.

Social isolation can lead to loneliness in some people, while others can feel lonely without being socially isolated. For as many as 15 to 30 percent of the general population, loneliness is a chronic state.

Social isolation due to COVID or bullying has affected large numbers of youth. On the opposite end of the spectrum, older adults are at increased risk for loneliness and social isolation due to loss, often of their partner, family, or friends.

Many have realistic financial concerns. Others may be unfamiliar with banking, budgeting, investments, taxes, and the like, especially if they recently lost a partner and were not the primary breadwinner.

Lonely people, even when in the company of others, may have difficulties relating because of hearing loss or visual and mobility impairments. All these factors aggravated by chronic illness may force a person to relinquish their home and familiar neighborhood for unfamiliar quarters surrounded by strangers with similar, or even worse difficulties in communicating.

Current Research Findings

Social isolation was associated with about a 50 percent increased risk of dementia in older people.
Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) were associated with a 29 percent increased risk of heart disease and a 32 percent increased risk of stroke.

Social isolation, particularly among vulnerable populations such as low-income, immigrant, and LGBT people, substantially increased the risk for premature death, comparable to other risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, or obesity. Loneliness was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. The high medical comorbidity and mortality associated with loneliness result in accelerated biological aging.

People living on their own tend to prepare meals that are quick and simple, low in nutrition and variety. This is likely to be reflected in lack of diversity in their gut flora. Interestingly, research from the University of California, San Diego, found that loneliness was associated with a lack of diversity in the gut microbiome. It is also likely that loneliness may result in decreased stability of the gut microbiome and, consequently, reduced resistance and resilience to stress-related disruptions, increasing the risk of systemic inflammation.

In the brains of lonely persons, all the channels serving the stress response are in overdrive. A study from Kyushu University in Japan found that older people with few social contacts have a loss of overall brain volume in areas of the brain affected by dementia.

Many lonely people not only feel sad; they also feel scared. Social situations may be perceived as a threat, not an invitation. They worry about falling or getting lost. They worry about spending money even when they are financially secure.

Boosting Social Connections

If you are a friend or family member of a lonely person, you need to keep in mind that well-meaning advice like "join a club," "call a friend," or "make small talk with a stranger" rarely works. If you feel lonely yourself, perhaps the realization that loneliness is highly detrimental to your health and markedly shortens your lifespan will move you to adopt some of the advice that follows.

Loneliness Essential Reads

The Particular Loneliness of Losing a Spouse

How to Deal With Loneliness When You're Single

What is crucial is to make a decision and then stick to it. Thinking about what measures to take can lead to delays and paralysis. Stop ruminating. Start acting.

Here are some tips to help you foster social connections and reduce feelings of loneliness. The more of these you adopt, the faster you will feel whole again.

• Step out of your comfort zone: Meeting new people and engaging in social activities may be intimidating at first, but it's essential to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Start with small steps, like attending social events or gatherings related to your interests.
• Pursue your passions: Join clubs, groups, or organizations that focus on activities you enjoy. Engaging in hobbies and interests can help you connect with like-minded individuals and provide natural conversation starters.
• Exercising or eating in the company of other people.
• Social media can be a great tool to form connections as long as you use them prudently.
• Join workshops to learn a new skill such as painting, pottery making, or playing bridge.
• In-person shopping or trips to the library, museums, and art galleries get you among people.
• Helping people is one of the most powerful antidotes to loneliness. A great way of accomplishing this is by volunteering. Volunteering has many benefits for the volunteer and the recipient. The satisfaction also multiplies if you volunteer in a field you love.
• Regular doctor’s appointments or visits from a home health nurse are opportunities for face-to-face encounters.
• It is important, to also educate health care workers. They need to understand that addressing loneliness in their patients does not detract from patient care—it is patient care. (As an aside: Healthcare providers often neglect taking care of themselves. Unless we prioritize social connections, how can we do so for others?)
• If, in spite of all your good intentions, you find it challenging to socialize due to anxiety or shyness, seek professional therapy or counselling.

Final Thoughts

Remember that developing social connections is a gradual process, and it's okay to take small steps at your own pace. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the progress you make along the way.