Loneliness a different perspective 1

I read an interesting article called “Loneliness can kill you.” The article looks at the neurological effects of loneliness. This is a perspective that I had not thought that much about, but the article and the research is interesting to those who are concerned about loneliness in seniors. I have taken some of the ideas from this report and hopefully, you find them interesting as well.

Among the many consequences of loneliness on body and mind, the lack of social contact encourages drug compensation and substance-use behaviour, such as alcoholism.

As people grow older, the social network typically becomes smaller – naturally diminishing the cognitive stimulation through frequent and intense social interaction daily, thus potentially reducing the neural reserve. Over the past century, the average human lifespan in developed nations has increased by nearly three decades. However, older people are also reported to show a decline in their capacity to take other people’s point of view, as demonstrated in three separate mentalizing tasks.

These authors of these studies showed that social cognition deficits were related to decreased neural activity responses. This capacity is likely to be particularly important when seniors are thinking about other people who are not physically present – where social cues such as facial expressions, mimics, and gestures are missing.

Both limited social stimulation and weakening social reflection capacities relate to the sense of loneliness in complex and important ways. Once lonely, bias for negative information processing of cues from others hinders social rehabilitation in a downward cycle. Many recent studies have corroborated the evidence that feelings of loneliness escalate the risk of certain neurological diseases in later life, especially Alzheimer’s disease.

We are social creatures. Social interplay and cooperation have fuelled the rapid ascent of human culture and civilization. However, we struggle when forced to live in isolation. The expansion of loneliness has accelerated in the past decade. As one consequence, the UK has launched the ‘Campaign to End Loneliness’ – a network of over 600 national, regional, and local organizations that aim to create the right conditions for reducing loneliness in later life. Such efforts speak to the growing public recognition and political will to confront this evolving societal challenge. These concerns are likely to be exacerbated if there are prolonged periods of social isolation imposed by national policy responses to extraordinary crises such as COVID-19.

Isolation and loneliness

There are a number of ways to help combat isolation and loneliness in either our own lives or the lives of others, as we grow older.  Here is a list (in no particular order):

Pets.  Having your own pet, or helping someone else with their pet, can be very helpful.  For example, walking a neighbour’s dog every day.  Pet responsibilities can help give people purpose and meaning.

Senior clubs.  Our explorers are aware of a number of great clubs, which often provide and arrange transportation as well.  Typically, the clubs offer a wide variety of arts, education, and physical exercise opportunities.

Affinity clubs or organizations.  Become a member of a formal or informal group that is united by a common theme or activity.  Find what you like to do, take the initiative to find like-minded people, and stick to it.  This will be a big help in mitigating social isolation and loneliness.

Cross-generational interactions.  Try to have interactions with different generations.  For example, living at an all-age residential hotel (vs. more age-segregated).  Some older adults like the atmosphere and the energy they experience, and they often learn new things in their multigenerational experiences.   

Good neighbours.  People nearby that you can trust and that can check in on you periodically.  These simple interactions can be very valuable and oftentimes turn into genuine friendships.

Housing options.  Various community living and care arrangements which can help provide or facilitate companionship.  For example, multigenerational living facilities, co-housing with matched renters, and accessory-unit rentals can increase social contacts and interactions.

‘Buddy’ system, or a check-in system.  Having some sort of daily-checking routine can be very helpful and reassuring and combat isolation and loneliness.  For example, sending a text to a family member every day before lunch; or, make sure your living room curtains are open every morning (to let neighbours know that you are up and about).

Regular visitors, or social service program visitors.  Simple visitation can be a big help in fighting isolation and loneliness.  Whether it be a friend, family member, neighbour, or an assigned social service volunteer; their visits and conversations are often much anticipated and appreciated by older adults.

The internet.  Easy access to the internet can make a big difference.  It does not replace the need for social interactions, but it can be a good substitute sometimes, as well as a great source for interests and online activities.  People may need to be taught how to use the internet, and it can be expensive to some. 

Television.  Even television can help reduce the feeling of social isolation and loneliness.  It gives you a connection with the outside world.  Its advantage is that it is familiar and can be easy to operate.

Robots; AI (artificial intelligence); Alexa.  These options seem to be primitive at this point, but they also seem to be getting better very quickly.  They can provide a partial solution to social isolation, but cannot truly replace human face-to-face social interaction.  Some explorers see a lot of potential here.

Community education courses for older adults.  Community classes for older adults can be very good for social interaction.  Not only that, but they are typically a lot of fun and very educational.  One example: the OLLI Lifelong Learning courses.

Any tips or comments that you would like to add?

A Definition of “Social Isolation and Loneliness

Over the month of December, I have posted about the joy of the season, but I do know that isolation and loneliness is a very real fear for many older adults.  So as we move into 2019 tomorrow, just be aware that many of you know of someone suffering from it, and it can be very sad. So I am starting off this year with a closer look at this issue. This and the next few posts have been inspired by the information I received from the Tech-enhanced Life Newsletter, I receive. So as you have a happy and prosperous new year think about those who are isolated and lonely and take steps to help them.

Social isolation and loneliness are complex topics.  Loneliness is often experienced as more of an anxious or sad feeling.  However, you don’t necessarily have to be alone in order to experience it.  Sometimes you can feel lonely even when surrounded by other people.

And, being ‘alone’ could be good or bad; it doesn’t necessarily mean you are lonely.  We all want to be alone at least once in a while; for example, when you feel tired and would like to take a nap.  Another example is that some people may prefer living alone versus living with others and are perfectly content with that choice.
  
One factor sometimes affecting isolation and loneliness in older adults is simply a person’s motivations and initiative.  Some people are fun, good people, but are not very good at ‘breaking the ice’.


A number of individuals don’t seem to have that initiative or ability to initiate an interaction.  They are often fine and fun to be with when someone else takes the initiative to start an interaction.  But if someone else does not initiate the connection or interaction, the interaction never takes place.  Once they get over that initial first step, they are often fine.

Each individual needs to take the initiative, but some don’t know how or are really incapable of doing that.  Oftentimes, this lack of motivation or initiative is a personality-related issue that can be hard to change.  It is part of why they are isolated.  

It can be a hard job to get some people motivated to participate.  Some are scared; possibly afraid of rejection.  Some don't want to ‘compete’ socially; they feel inadequate or uncomfortable.  

Opportunities are out there; find your interests.  Take the initiative to get an association or connection, and be persistent; stick to it for a while.  Be open to opportunities; break out of your comfort zone.  Be more proactive in calling people/friends.


One caveat: Sociability, or the lack of, can be situational.  There are times, for example, when you just don't want to join other people for dinner.  A couple may want to eat alone or just dine with each other.  There are times, too, when you may be tired and just don’t want to interact with people.  ‘Situational sociability’ is quite different from social isolation and loneliness.