Cacioppo, Ph.D., former director of the Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience at the University of Chicago and an NIA grantee.ĭr. Much of what we know about the causes and effects of social isolation and loneliness comes from the groundbreaking research of the late John T. These activities seem to help maintain their well-being and may improve their cognitive function, studies show. People who find themselves unexpectedly alone due to the death of a spouse or partner, separation from friends or family, retirement, loss of mobility, and lack of transportation are at particular risk.Ĭonversely, people who engage in meaningful, productive activities with others tend to live longer, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose. View the Social Isolation and Loneliness Outreach Toolkit for social media images and posts, animated graphics (GIFs), educational materials, and more. Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death. Health effects of social isolation, loneliness “A key scientific question is whether social isolation and loneliness are two independent processes affecting health differently, or whether loneliness provides a pathway for social isolation to affect health,” Dr. At the same time, some people feel lonely despite being surrounded by family and friends. Department of Health and Human Services, but many of them are not lonely or socially isolated. About 28 percent of older adults in the United States, or 13.8 million people, live alone, according to a report by the Administration for Community Living’s Administration on Aging of the U.S. Social isolation and loneliness do not always go together. “NIA is interested in exploring potential interventions to address social isolation and loneliness, which are both risk factors for poor aging outcomes,” said Lisbeth Nielsen, Ph.D., of NIA’s Division of Behavioral and Social Research.
#Home alone 4 common sense media how to#
NIA-supported researchers are studying the differences between social isolation and loneliness, their mechanisms and risk factors, and how to help people affected by these conditions. Fortunately, there are ways to counteract these negative effects.
Yet, as we age, many of us are alone more often than when we were younger, leaving us vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness-and related health problems such as cognitive decline, depression, and heart disease. Our connection to others enables us to survive and thrive.
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