Obesity, smoking and air pollution are three of the leading causes of early mortality and receive the most attention, as a result. However, new research is suggesting that social connections should be applied to this list. Studies are showing that loneliness and social isolation are risk factors to people of all ages. In fact it increases your chances of early death by approximately 30%.
Psychologists from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah discovered in their research that loneliness and social isolation better predicted the early deaths among populations aged 65 and under. Until now, no research has been conducted where the effects of loneliness and social isolation have been the focus.
Although the two terms mean two different things, the effects are the same. A person feeling lonely and isolated may not always be ignored by the people around them. An individual who is surrounded by loved ones and friends can still feel these emotions. Many will actually prefer to be alone and foster isolation from others.
Only 3 of 70 studies in the review included an analysis of both the feelings of loneliness along with actual isolation. Another factor in the review, which the authors took into consideration, was age and disease. The average age of the participants was 66, which shows the need for further examination across younger age groups. The findings can be reviewed in this month’s issue of Perspectives in Psychological Science.
Strategies to avoid loneliness & social isolation
The study reinforces the need for friendships and human connections. Here are a few strategies you can implement in order to reduce the repercussions of loneliness and isolation:
Participate in community events and interact with like-minded people who have similar interests as you.
Become immersed in something that is important to you – a creative project – that can bring aliveness into your life.
Find ways to help others, such as women and children in battered women’s shelters, the homeless, animals in shelters etc.
Don’t resent younger generations. Establish a reciprocal mentorship program where you learn from them as much as they learn from you.
Psychologists from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah discovered in their research that loneliness and social isolation better predicted the early deaths among populations aged 65 and under. Until now, no research has been conducted where the effects of loneliness and social isolation have been the focus.
Although the two terms mean two different things, the effects are the same. A person feeling lonely and isolated may not always be ignored by the people around them. An individual who is surrounded by loved ones and friends can still feel these emotions. Many will actually prefer to be alone and foster isolation from others.
Only 3 of 70 studies in the review included an analysis of both the feelings of loneliness along with actual isolation. Another factor in the review, which the authors took into consideration, was age and disease. The average age of the participants was 66, which shows the need for further examination across younger age groups. The findings can be reviewed in this month’s issue of Perspectives in Psychological Science.
Strategies to avoid loneliness & social isolation
The study reinforces the need for friendships and human connections. Here are a few strategies you can implement in order to reduce the repercussions of loneliness and isolation:
Participate in community events and interact with like-minded people who have similar interests as you.
Become immersed in something that is important to you – a creative project – that can bring aliveness into your life.
Find ways to help others, such as women and children in battered women’s shelters, the homeless, animals in shelters etc.
Don’t resent younger generations. Establish a reciprocal mentorship program where you learn from them as much as they learn from you.
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