Loneliness is a subjective feeling of being isolated or disconnected from others, regardless of the level of social interaction one has. According to a research poll on healthy aging, in 2023, one in three adults aged 50–80 (34%) reported feeling isolated from others (29% some of the time, 5% often) in the past year. Many studies have found that the health impact of social isolation or loneliness increases a person's risk of premature death significantly. This risk could be as harmful as smoking, being obese, having heart disease, or living a sedentary lifestyle.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shown that loneliness is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
According to the National Institue on Aging, you may have a greater risk of loneliness or social isolation if you;
Live alone
Had a significant life change, such as the death of a partner
Struggle with money
Are a caregiver
Have language barriers
live in rural, unsafe, or hard-to-reach neighborhoods
Experience age, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity discrimination where you live
Have limited social support
Have trouble hearing
Are not meaningfully engaged in activities or are feeling a lack of purpose
The populations that I have witnessed as a Nurse that have an increased risk of loneliness are immigrants, LGBTQ, and older adults. I had an encounter with an unsheltered elderly African-American man who was being treated for AIDS. I knew his history before entering his room, treating him with the same dignity and respect I treat all my patients. After performing his assessment and reviewing his plan of care for the night, he stopped me to thank me for treating him like a human being. He reached out his hand to shake mine in his appreciation of the care I was providing him. He explained that he had not had anyone look at him like a human being in a long time nor given a handshake because he has AIDS. Hearing this statement from him was heartbreaking, as everyone deserves to be treated with compassion regardless of their lifestyle. He asked me for a hug, and I held him for as long as needed. After our embrace, he was tearful, appreciative, and happy. He said the last time he had a hug like that was from his Mama. Upon leaving his room, I realized the power of human connection through a hug, which had previously been a simple act given to friends and family.
The Benefits of Safe Touch and Hugging
I equate social isolation or loneliness to a baby who is raised in an orphanage, crying out for comfort, but nobody is there to offer it. However, holding your newborn affectionately to bond with them creates a loving and secure environment. A warm embrace or a gentle touch can release oxytocin, a hormone that can help to reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and alleviate the adverse effects of social isolation.
Tips for staying connected:
Find a hobby and connect with people who share your interests.
Stay in touch with family, friends, and neighbors in person, by voice call, social media, or text.
Find a faith-based organization where you can deepen your spirituality and engage with others in activities and events.
Check out resources and programs at your local social service agencies, community and senior centers, and public libraries.
Introduce yourself to your neighbors.
Loneliness and social isolation can intensify during the holiday season for those without loved ones nearby to celebrate with. I encourage all the readers of this blog to take a moment to spread love and kindness to those in your circle who have been outcasted due to their lifestyle choices or to the elderly widow relative with no immediate family living in the nursing home. Let's do God's work and make a difference in someone's life today.
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