Loneliness has an impact on our health. We live in a society that contributes to loneliness – professions require long and demanding hours and electronic devices consume much of our time. Older adults often have risk factors for loneliness, including living alone, limited social support, being a caregiver, and financial difficulties to name a few.

It is normal to experience short term loneliness, however, chronic loneliness creates significant health issues such as increased risk for heart disease and stroke. Symptoms of chronic loneliness include feeling alone despite being with others, lack interest in socializing, perception that nobody understands you, a decline in healthy habits, and spending more time on social media.

What can be done to break the cycle of loneliness? Awareness and finding balance are key.

Jaime Kurtz, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at James Madison University, delivered a powerful presentation, “The Epidemic of Loneliness: Its Adverse Effects on Health and How to Enhance Meaningful Connections.” She shared that Americans are spending more time alone (data from 2013-2021) and that one-third of college students report loneliness (pre-Covid data). Dr. Kurtz suggests several things to foster a connection with others.

Consider areas/ tasks that could be delegated, or subcontracted (house cleaning, lawn care, etc.), to free up time to spend elsewhere to create a meaningful connection.
Make a phone call (8 minutes) and honor the time limit. A study found that participants who received brief calls several times per week reported less depression, anxiety, and loneliness compared to others who did not receive calls (Kahlon et al., 2021). Texting doesn’t offer the same benefits.
Volunteer on a regular basis. Focusing on others and being associated with a group fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. The simple act of saying hello to people increases endorphins which reduces stress and improves mood.
Research demonstrates that even small talk and a smile with strangers has benefits. Elect to connect.

Mindfulness and self-compassion can also reduce anxiety and elevate mood.

Stephanie Alexander presented a Ted Talk, “Loneliness: The Secret Epidemic.” She shared that two out of three adults consider themselves to be lonely. Furthermore, she shared that 80% of Gen Z (age 12-27), 71% of Millennials (age 28-43), and 50% of Boomers (age 60-78) are clinically lonely per a study conducted by Cigna Health Insurance in 2019. People who are Black, Hispanic, or in a minority group are at higher risk.

Resources such as senior centers, visitor programs, community groups, family, and neighbors can all be resources to help combat loneliness. The important thing is to recognize the issue in ourselves or others and to take steps to add more interaction and meaningful connections in our lives.

Share this post with others to increase awareness of the impact of loneliness and find ways to make meaningful connections to help you or someone in your life.