Social isolation and loneliness can provide many challenges for people of all ages. It is likely obvious that a person’s mental health may struggle when facing issues of social isolation or loneliness, however, it is less obvious that they can also cause physical health issues.

Social Isolation vs Loneliness

When talking about these issues it is important to acknowledge the difference between social isolation and loneliness. While these terms may commonly be used interchangeably they do have a significant difference. Social isolation is the physical separation from other people while loneliness is the feeling of being separated from other people. Social isolation can often cause loneliness for individuals, however, this is not always the case. A person can experience loneliness even when surrounded by other people. Similarly, a person may be socially isolated but not lonely. Examples of social isolation include living alone, not participating in group events, and not forming or maintaining relationships with friends and family. A person may be perfectly content in social isolation, however most people are not and might not know how to get out of social isolation. Examples of loneliness include being surrounded by people but not having deep connections with any of them and being emotionally distant from friends and family. 

Health Issues Caused by Loneliness

Research by a variety of people including Dr. Stephanie Cacioppo and Dr. Steve Cole show that loneliness can increase risk of a variety of health issues. Dr. Cacioppo’s Evolutionary Theory of Loneliness even suggests that loneliness indirectly causes premature death. Some of these health issues include:

• Higher risk and likelihood of sickness caused by weakened immune cells
• Less inflammation, making it harder for the body to heal
• A biologically more defensive state of the body making an individual feel less trusting and more threatened
• Buildup of plaque in arties
• Higher growth and spreading of cancer cells
• Higher chances of Alzheimer’s disease due to inflammation in the brain

How Can You Prevent Social Isolation and Loneliness

I think it is important that we acknowledge the struggles of social isolation or loneliness that many people are facing and find ways to help them and ourselves. We should make a conscious effort to spend time with other people including friends, family members, and community members. By forming deep and meaningful connections with other people we can help prevent loneliness and the health risks associated with it. Volunteering and finding a purpose in life can also help us feel less lonely. It is important to remember the differences in social isolation and loneliness and to interact with those around you. By maintaining these relationships you can prevent your own loneliness from setting in while helping other people maintain their health.

sources: https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks