The Impact of Loneliness on the Mind and Body
Loneliness is a growing social epidemic that affects the aging population, and has dire consequences on health. A study sponsored by the AARP in 2019 found that a whopping one third of Americans ages 50-80 years old are lonely. I see it all the time in my practice in Chicago. My older patients feel socially isolated, alone, and as a result are generally depressed. The causes for feeling lonely are varied. It could be that one is dealing with the loss of a loved one. Worse, one may be dealing with the loss of many loved ones, which by a certain age, is inevitable. In some instances, the aged themselves may be the primary caregiver for an aging parent or spouse. This could instill feelings of guilt when taking respite from their caregiving duties, causing them to shun certain social activities that they once enjoyed. Still others may have lost touch with their old friends. Sure, they could call a few people if they really wanted, but they may be reluctant for fear of burdening them. It's the combination of feelings of "being a burden," grieving the loss of loved ones, and even the diminished functionality of their own aging bodies that may lead many people aged 55 and over into a socially isolated state.
“Poor social relationships are associated with a 29% increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and a 32% increase in the risk of stroke.”
If you find yourself relating to the above - know that you're not alone. Millions of aging Americans are socially isolated, experience feelings of loneliness, and yearn for companionship. Without companionship, or a social support system, feelings of loneliness are almost unavoidable. Why does loneliness matter? Because loneliness is a major risk factor for a multitude of serious medical issues. A meta-analysis of 16 studies conducted in high-income countries (including the U.S.) in 2015 showed that poor social relationships are associated with a 29% increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and a 32% increase in the risk of stroke. To put it in perspective, this scale of increased risk is comparable to known risk factors such as anxiety and job strain. Additionally, loneliness has been linked to a decline in self-efficacy, defective immune functioning, higher blood pressure, dementia, and lower self-esteem. According to research by the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, seniors who reported feelings of loneliness and isolation invariably displayed worse mental and physical health. Dr. John Cacioppo at the University of Chicago conducted a study in 2015, with outcomes showing that loneliness was linked to quicker cognitive decline, worse cognitive performance, and a 26% increased risk of premature death.
“I hear from my patients over and over again - they don’t know where to start looking for companionship.”
It has been proven time and time again that companionship and a strong social support system lead to better outcomes for both mental and physical health. People with heart disease, when reporting a stronger social support system, have decreased mortality and better functionality. Senior citizens who report more social interaction than average also tend to be better at completing ADLs (activities of daily living - i.e. putting on your shoes, or washing the dishes), which extends the amount of time they can continue living independently. As a physician that caters to the baby boomer population, I encourage my patients to participate more in community activities, interact with like-minded people, or pick up the phone and just talk to someone. Any of the above can potentially improve one's mood, mental health, and lead to better management and control of their medical health and overall well-being. However, the response I hear from my patients over and over again is the same - they don't know where to start looking for companionship. They don't want to be a burden on their family. Their thinking in many instances is that perhaps their time is over and this is the way it's supposed to be. To hear them say this is disconcerting, and many times, heartbreaking. In the past, it has been difficult for me to provide them with simple solutions, primarily due to the lack of resources available for this particular population.
“We aim to facilitate and create social relationships by removing the most difficult part of finding new companions - the introduction to others”
Having seen this common theme among my older patients, I recognized the growing need for a platform that could improve social interaction and lead to the development of social relationships for the baby boomer population. A support system. A lifeline. To accomplish this, I've started working with a dedicated team to develop an app called Renew, which is specifically designed for individuals aged 50 and above. We aim to facilitate and create social relationships by removing the most difficult part of finding new companions - the introduction to others, and thereby provide a large pool from which to connect with like-minded individuals. All of our users will be there with the same purpose - hoping to make a friend. That person you can call, and know you won't be a burden for them. That friend you can meet for coffee, go for a walk in the park with, or play a quick 9-hole round of golf with. That person that's just like you, who can brighten your day, and your future, by just being there.
