The Loneliness Epidemic

The United States is facing a health crisis and it’s not covid. According to a 2018 study by the AARP, mid-life and older adults are facing a loneliness crisis. This crisis was first uncovered in a 2010 survey that suggested 35% of respondents age 45 and older were lonely. Those findings were further validated by the 2018 survey. And that was prior to the novel Coronavirus forcing most older Americans into some form of seclusion.

While the Covid-19 house arrest was temporary, over 40% of the respondents indicated that their feelings of loneliness and isolation had persisted for over six years. According to New York Times writer, David Brooks, at least some portion of this trend is related to the fragmentation of the nuclear family. While this country was built on the backs of families, that model is disintegrating into a smaller and smaller units. That disintegration leads to fewer, deep relationships and support structures for midlife and older adults.

Not surprisingly, the size of one’s social network weighs heavily on the respondents feelings of loneliness and isolation. But equally impactful is the diversity of that network. Those with a diverse social support structure that includes friends, family and a committed partner report lower feelings of loneliness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, loneliness is actually bad for your health. Isolation can increase your risk of premature death. Social isolation is associated with a 50% increase in dementia.

• Social isolation significantly increased a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
• Social isolation was associated with about a 50% percent increased risk of dementia. and, not surprisingly,
• Loneliness was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.

The good news is that the Covid-19 house arrest created a collective loneliness experience for the world. Perhaps this experiential opportunity will open our eyes to the dangers of isolation and loneliness.

This post was created with Typeshare