You Aren’t Alone in Feeling Alone

By: HCO

As humans, we’re social by nature. And our ability to connect with one another has helped us survive millennia. But as we get older, many of us find ourselves spending more time alone. It becomes harder to make the kind of connections that seemed so effortless when we were young. In turn, we become more likely to experience loneliness and social isolation, making us susceptible to depression, cognitive issues and other diseases.

Loneliness and isolation are serious health risks for older adults. According to a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) , more than a third of people over 45 experience loneliness. And nearly one-fourth of adults 65 and older are socially isolated. A variety of factors contribute to this increase in loneliness as we age, including chronic illness, hearing loss, living alone and the loss of family or friends.

Social isolation impacts our health

While loneliness and isolation are difficult conditions to measure, evidence suggests that loneliness and isolation do impact the health of many adults over the age of 50. And research has found that loneliness and isolation can contribute to premature death, an increased risk of developing dementia, heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression, and a higher likelihood of suicide.

Chronic loneliness can make people feel threatened and anxious, which activates biological defense mechanisms that can contribute to the growth of cancer cells, brain inflammation that leads to Alzheimer’s disease and the buildup of plaque in arteries. Loneliness can also weaken the immune system and make us more vulnerable to infectious diseases.

If you’re feeling lonely and isolated, you don’t have to stay that way. There are steps you can take to turn things around.

Look for opportunities to connect

If you’re worried that you’re spending too much time alone, talk to your doctor to find out if the loneliness you’re experiencing is impacting your wellbeing. Your physician can help you assess your lifestyle and give you some ideas about how to proactively engage with others and seek companionship in ways that will boost your mood and your health.

Connecting to agencies, support groups and organizations that focus on the issues older people face is one way you can overcome social isolation. Some examples include:

• Eldercare Locator: A national service that helps seniors find local resources for caregiving, financial support and transportation — free of charge.
• National Council on Aging: An organization that connects businesses, nonprofit organizations and governments to help seniors find financial, health and social support.
• National Institute on Aging (NIA): An educational resource that helps seniors and caregivers manage social isolation and loneliness.
• USAging: a national association that provides assistance and information, including meal delivery, fitness classes and wellness education.

Universities across the country also offer affordable lifelong learning programs for seniors, which allow you to take non-credit courses on niche topics alongside other seniors with similar interests.