The best predictor of physical health at older age is having strong close connections at an earlier age. We already knew that from Harvard’s long-running study and a famous TED talk. But there’s news.
An analysis of no fewer than 130 studies showed how loneliness increases physical frailty, leading to depression, cognitive decline and also falls.
Covid contributed to the phenomenon of loneliness, isolation, attention, and awareness of the problem. The pandemic drove the researchers to dive into material already available and analyze it.
Peter Hanlon, PhD, Heather Wightman, BSc, Marina Politis, BSc, Stella Kirkpatrick, BSc, Caitlin Jones, MBChB, Melissa K Andrew, PhD and other collaborators are behind the meta-study published in The Lancet on March 2.
While they defined loneliness as the “Subjective experience of feeling alone,” their measures are based on three different and well-established gauges. The researchers have not conducted a new field work, but using so many other studies makes their conclusions echo loud and clear.
Frailty refers to various forms of physical deterioration. Losing muscle strength increases the likelihood of falling, and the harm caused by tumbling down the stairs is substantial for older individuals. In turn, additional physical weakness contributes to more isolation.
Less loneliness can improve quality of life
There is no cure to old age – at least not for now. However, people live not only longer lives, but also better ones in recent years. Better medicine, simpler operations and better medical equipment helps millions live more fulfilling lives at an older age. Medicine alone is insufficient.
The lack of adequate social contact can lead to weaker immune systems and also an unhealthy lifestyle, which compounds the direct effects.
The links between the two are clear, and researchers suggest urge taking social vulnerability into account when conducting clinical and public policy.
Peter Hanlon of the University of Glasgow said:
Loneliness, for example, is not an easy problem to solve. However, there is more and more knowledge available about possible effective interventions, including activities that support older people to increase their social connections
At Touch Base, we aim to help older people increase their social connections with loved ones, most likely family members. There is more evidence of that need right now.