Loneliness linked to faster mental and physical decline in older adults

Some people might not mind spending time alone, but new research with data from 18 countries suggests that older people who struggle with loneliness - rather than strictly being alone - may experience a faster mental and physical decline.

The study, led by the University of California, Davis, used advanced statistical modeling to chart loneliness and social isolation as older adults move through stages of cognitive impairment and mortality. The results suggest that loneliness plays a much stronger role in cognitive impairment and shorter life spans than social isolation on its own.

Tomiko Yoneda, assistant professor of psychology, UC Davis and study's lead authorLoneliness is a perception. You could be surrounded by a crowd of people and still feel lonely, whereas isolation is just being alone. Some people might be not lonely at all and be completely content in their solitude."

Modeling people's lifetimes

"This approach is crucial," said Yoneda, "because cognitive impairment increases mortality risk, and both risks increase with age."

Reporting loneliness more frequently was also associated with a 3% lower likelihood of returning from mild cognitive impairment to no impairment. This suggest, researchers said, that alleviating loneliness may be important for recovery. Higher loneliness was the most consistent risk earlier in life even before measurable cognitive decline appeared, researchers said.

Reducing loneliness

They also said that individuals worried about cognitive decline can make efforts to strengthen their social connections with the people around them. For instance, hospitals and care organizations can incorporate screening tools that identify loneliness. Communities could create opportunities for older adults to engage with others and build a sense of belonging.

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Source:

University of California - Davis

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