Loneliness & Isolation Takes a Toll on Your Health

Tips for Staying Connected

Last year, the U.S. Surgeon General raised the alarm about an emerging—and atypical—public health crisis: loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection.

Perhaps the most startling finding contained in the 85-page advisory, Surgeon General’s Advisory on Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,  is the fact that loneliness and lack of connection can increase one’s risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Specific physical consequences of poor connection include: a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults and a higher risk of suffering from depression and anxiety.

Lack of social connection is also linked to higher risk of developing diabetes and hypertension, having a stroke, and an increased susceptibility and weakened immune response when exposed to infectious diseases.

Perhaps one of the most interesting findings in the advisory is the fact that older Americans are not as lonely as younger ones. In fact, only 17% of people aged 65 and up reported feeling lonely, whereas rates were highest (27%) in young adults. This high percentage correlates with the fact that young people (aged 15-24) are having 70% less social interaction with friends than they did two decades ago. It also underscores the fact that it’s still possible to feel lonely even if you’re surrounded by people all day at school or work. Loneliness is about the quality, not the quantity, of your connections.

Fortunately, there are things you do to build social connections and boost your health.

Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to meet people with similar interest, boost your self-esteem, and make a positive difference in the lives of others as well as yourself.

Not sure where to volunteer? Visit Volunteer Match to find opportunities in your community ranging from food banks and working with animals to greeting visitors and trail maintenance.

Sign up for a class or club: From formal pickleball and darts clubs to more casual walking/hiking groups and book clubs (ask at your local library), there’s no shortage of opportunities to engage with others. Don’t be afraid to admit something isn’t right for you. But don’t use it as an excuse to not try something else!

Join a social, community, or religious group: Being part of a group with shared interests, values, or goals can be rewarding and foster a sense of belonging.

Make dates and keep them: There’s a reason they say, ‘old friends are like gold.’ Make time to reconnect with treasured old friends and then make it a habit. In addition to preventing isolation and loneliness, friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. 

If you are feeling isolated or lonely, and especially if you’re facing major life changes including new health issues, divorce, retirement, or the loss of a loved one, talk to your doctor. There are ways to work through it. Being open and honest is an important first step.

Pam Duchene, PhD, APRN-BC is the Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Southwestern Vermont Health Care.