Loneliness: The Risk of Premature Death

Author: Thomas C. Weiss
Published: 2015/03/18 - Updated: 2025/02/16
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Seniors News - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Article looks at the health aspect of loneliness and social isolation, particularly among seniors.

Why it matters: This article delves into the nuanced and often overlooked topic of death and dying among seniors and individuals with disabilities. It provides a comprehensive look at various aspects including end-of-life planning, the emotional and practical considerations for those with disabilities, and how societal attitudes towards death can impact the quality of life for these groups. The piece sheds light on the importance of dignity in death, offering insights into how better preparation and understanding can lead to more peaceful and respectful end-of-life experiences. It's particularly useful for caregivers, healthcare providers, and families who are navigating these complex issues, providing them with resources, strategies, and a broader perspective on ensuring that seniors and disabled individuals can face their final days with respect and autonomy. The article is both informative and thought-provoking, making it an essential read for anyone involved in or concerned about elder care and disability support - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Seniors are particularly vulnerable to both loneliness and social isolation and it may have a serious effect on their health. Yet there are ways to overcome loneliness, even if you live alone and it is hard for you to get out and about. Hundreds of thousands of seniors are lonely and cut off from society, especially people over the age of seventy-five.

Main Item

Loneliness is defined as a complex and usually unpleasant emotional response to isolation or lack of companionship. Loneliness typically includes anxious feelings about a lack of connectedness or communality with other beings, both in the present and extending into the future. As such, loneliness can be felt even when surrounded by other people. The causes of loneliness are varied and include social, mental or emotional factors.

For example; in England fifty-one percent of all people over the age of seventy-five live by themselves. Five million seniors state their television is their main form of company. People may become socially isolated for a number of reasons such as:

Despite the cause of the person's loneliness, it is surprisingly easy to be left feeling alone and vulnerable, something which may lead to depression as well as a serious decline in the person's health and overall well-being. A person who is lonely most likely also finds it difficult to reach out to others. A stigma exists surrounding loneliness and seniors tend to avoid asking for help out of pride. Bear in mind that loneliness can and does affect people of any age.

Connecting with Others and Feeling Useful and Appreciated

The need to interact with others is a part of the human experience. What follows are some ways for people who are lonely to connect with other people and feel both useful and appreciated.

Loneliness and Increased Risk of Early Death

People who are socially isolated and feel lonely might be at increased risk of early death according to British researchers. A lack of social contact may be an even larger risk factor than loneliness. Why isolation is such an incredible predictor of death remains uncertain.

Andrew Steptoe, Director of the Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care at University College in London stated, "Social contact is a fundamental aspect of human existence. The scientific evidence is that being socially isolated is probably bad for your health, and may lead to the development of serious illness and a reduced life span." Research results also suggest that loneliness has similar associations with poor health, according to Mr. Steptoe.

In a number of ways, social isolation and loneliness are two sides of the same issue. Social isolation indicates a lack of contact with family members, friends and organizations. Loneliness is a subjective experience of lack of social contact and companionship. Investigators discovered that social isolation was a more consistent predictor of not surviving than loneliness and is related to increased risk of dying - even after age and background health were considered.

Dr. Bryan Bruno, Acting Chair of Psychiatry at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said the results of research are somewhat unexpected. "You would think that loneliness would compound the risk for mortality, as opposed to just isolation - it's a bit of a surprise," said Dr. Bruno. Mr. Steptoe; however, explained that knowing about how lonely participants felt did not add to researchers ability to predict future mortality. Mr. Steptoe is not saying that loneliness is unimportant, or that researchers should not strive to reduce loneliness in seniors.

Mr. Steptoe suggested the need to pursue social connections where seniors are concerned, because maintaining social contacts among seniors and reducing isolation may be especially important for their survival. Dr. Bruno agrees that isolation is a significant factor in both reduced quality of life and mortality. Dr. Bruno stated, 'It is a difficult, challenging problem.'

Dr. Bruno says that where seniors are concerned, he often times pursues a lot of education about the risk associated with being isolated and encourages seniors to spend as much time as possible with other people - whether they are family members, friends, community organizations or groups, or performing volunteer work.

To examine the risks of loneliness and social isolation on dying, Mr. Steptoe's team collected data on 6,500 women and men over the age of fifty-two who took part in the English Longitudinal Study of Aging. People who had limited contact with family members, friends, or community were classified as, 'socially isolated.' The researchers used a questionnaire to assess loneliness, which was described in background information in the study as a person's, 'dissatisfaction with the frequency and closeness of their social contacts, or the discrepancy between the relationships they have and the ones they would like to have.

During almost eight years of follow-up, 918 people died and social isolation and loneliness both predicted an early death. Social isolation; on the other hand, increased the risk of dying despite the person's health and other factors. Loneliness increased the risk of dying only among people who experienced underlying physical or mental health issues, according to the researchers.

Facts and Statisticics Regarding Loneliness

Author Credentials: Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a CNA Thomas has providing care for people with all forms of disabilities. Explore for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.

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Citing and References

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Cite This Page: Thomas C. Weiss. (2015, March 18 - Last revised: 2025, February 16). Loneliness: The Risk of Premature Death. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved April 17, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/news/seniors/death.php

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