ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — The number of Americans living alone has more than doubled since 1960. And now research shows, living by yourself may negatively affect your health.
Many Americans are living alone and isolated. Doctor Richard Schwartz, MD, Psychiatrist believes … “Being separated from other people is an unnatural state for human beings.”
Data from the US Census Bureau shows about 30 percent of households in the u-s are occupied by just one person.
“More and more Americans are more and more socially isolated and more likely to describe feelings of loneliness.” explains Doctor Schwartz.
A new study published in the Journal Cancer found that adults who live alone have a 32 percent higher risk of dying from cancer. Social isolation and loneliness have also been linked to other health conditions, like heart disease and dementia. And some research has suggested living alone increases the risk of death from any cause.
Doctor Schwartz says, “The effect of social isolation and loneliness on our health is as powerful as things like smoking, high blood pressure, obesity.”
But if you do live alone, Doctor Schwartz says you don’t have to be lonely. Make it a point to connect with others as much as possible. One study found regular 10-minute phone calls can help ease loneliness.
“We are healthier, we are happier, we are less stressed when we maintain our connections to other people.” Explains Doctor Schwartz.
You may also want to try volunteering, joining a support group, or taking up a new hobby. Pets can also keep you company – and studies show owning one can improve both physical and mental wellness. Also, try keeping a gratitude journal. One study found daily gratitude writing lessened loneliness and improved health among older adults. With ways to combat loneliness and improve your health.
Participants in the cancer study who lived alone were also more likely to have a fair or poor health status, obesity, and serious psychological distress. They were also more apt to smoke and drink.
Contributors to this news report include: Julie Marks, Producer; Roque Correa, Editor.
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/19/health/living-alone-cancer-risk-of-death/index.html
https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.35042
https://academic.oup.com/ehjqcco/article/5/3/208/5300001
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/wellbeing/dealing-with-loneliness
https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wellbeing/a32811817/beat-loneliness-living-alone/
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/how-to-not-feel-lonely#focus-on-quality-time
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/how-to-not-feel-lonely#focus-on-quality-time
https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/19/health/living-alone-cancer-risk-of-death/index.html
LIVING ALONE: ISOLATION KILLS!
REPORT #3156
BACKGROUND: A number of people in the United States are being affected by loneliness and social isolation. Both can put older adults at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions. In fact, reports show nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are socially isolated with more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely. Older adults are more likely to face factors such as the loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and hearing loss putting them at increased risk for loneliness and social isolation. It’s recommended that clinicians periodically assess patients who may be at risk and connect them to community resources for help.
(Source: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html)
BEING ALONE WITHOUT BEING LONELY: There are several ways to manage loneliness and live a life full of happiness. The first thing is to figure out what triggers the loneliness and find positive activities to fill those empty spaces. If there’s a certain sport or physical activity that you once enjoyed, think about picking it up again or even asking a friend to join you. Give your diet an overhaul and cut out foods that drag you down, like those high in sugar. Instead, opt for fresh, natural choices that give you energy. Keep your mind active by doing crossword puzzles or brain games, which will also help cognitive development from declining rapidly. Another way to manage loneliness is by getting a pet. Pets can be very good company and help lift your spirits when you feel down. Find ways to get a good night’s sleep. Good rest can help combat feelings of loneliness and depression at the same time. Finally, connect with people. Find ways to be around people, whether you take some classes, visit your area’s senior center, or volunteer.
(Source: https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/what-to-know-about-living-alone-after-60)
NEW RESEACH ON LONELINESS: A study out of USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, suggests people who are not lonely are all alike when it comes to brains processing information, but every lonely person processes the world in their own, idiosyncratic way. Elisa Baek, assistant professor of psychology at USC Dornsife, wanted to better understand what causes such feelings of disconnection and being misunderstood. Baek and her team examined the brains of 66 first-year college students as they watched a series of video clips using a neuroimaging technique called functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The participants were separated into two groups: lonely and non-lonely. People who suffer from loneliness are less similar to society’s norm of processing the world and they differ in unique ways. That uniqueness may further impact the feelings of isolation and lacking social connections. Baek said, “It was surprising to find that lonely people were even less similar to each other.” As research continues, they will be looking at what situations lonely individuals process differently.
* For More Information, Contact:
Laura Neves
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