We had one of those picturesque snowfalls the other day in which everything seemed draped in a soft blanket of white. The birds and stray cats couldn’t have been happy about it, but I think they appreciated the extra food I put out for them. They also seemed to appreciate each other, the birds congregated in the shrubs and the cats gathered together under the shed.
Inside their house, I wonder how many of my neighbors, sheltering from the cold and Covid-19, are weathering the effects of isolation.
According to a new study published in Nature Neuroscience, people who are socially isolated crave interaction with other people in a way similar to the way we crave food.
The experiment took 40 healthy young people and kept them in isolation for 10 hours one day and without food for 10 hours another day. After that, the test subjects were shown pictures of people interacting and pictures of food.
Their brain responses were measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
“Responses in a specific structure in the midbrain were similar in both situations,” according to the study, “and activity was higher in people who reported greater levels of wanting either food or social interaction after the 10 hours of deprivation.”
So, this study doesn’t tell us anything we didn’t already know. People want food and interaction with other people. It does highlight a growing concern as we enter the second year of the pandemic - loneliness is a serious problem, especially among older adults.
A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) found more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.
Seniors are more likely to live alone, have a chronic illness, hearing loss, have lost close friends and/or family members. Any of those factors can lead to a sense of loneliness or isolation.
The NASEM report found:
Social isolation significantly increased a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
Social isolation was associated with about a 50% percent increased risk of dementia.
Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) was associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.
Loneliness was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
Loneliness among heart failure patients was associated with a nearly 4 times increased risk of death, 68% increased risk of hospitalization, and 57% increased risk of emergency department visits.
How to deal with isolation
Cultivate a positive attitude. Find something to be grateful for every day. Feed yourself positive information through reading or what you watch on media.
Take on a new challenge. Learn something new, such as a language, musical instrument, a puzzle, or hobby.
Get outside. Yes, you need to social distance and wear a mask, but you can still go for a walk or even sit on your porch. Who knows, you might even meet someone new. On one of my jaunts, I recently encountered an Afganistan veteran and the dog he served with in the military. The story of their bond and surviving a bomb blast together was inspiring.
Eat well. Loneliness can lead to bad eating habits. Take care that you don’t eat too much and what you do eat is healthy. Shoot for five servings of fruit and/or vegetables every day.
Exercise. As mentioned above, walking is still possible during a pandemic. You can also do stretches, calisthenics, and mindful exercises such as yoga and tai chi. There are plenty of videos that can help you get a good work out.
Need more help in coping with loneliness and isolation? Contact these resources suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Area Agencies on Agingexternal icon (AAA)—A network of over 620 organizations across America that provides information and assistance with programs including nutrition and meal programs (counseling and home-delivered or group meals), caregiver support, and more. The website can help you find your local AAA, which may provide classes in Tai Chi and diabetes self-management.
Eldercare Locatorexternal icon—A free national service that helps find local resources for seniors such as financial support, caregiving services, and transportation. It includes a brochure that shows how volunteering can help keep you socially connected.
National Council on Agingexternal icon—Works with nonprofit organizations, governments, and businesses to provide community programs and services. This is the place to find what senior programs are available to assist with healthy aging and financial security, including the Aging Mastery Program® that is shown to increase social connectedness and healthy eating habits.
No matter how isolated you feel, you are not alone. Take charge!