Social isolation and loneliness can have significant impacts on both physical and mental health. Here are some key points based on the provided search results:
1. Health Risks and Impact on Older Adults:
Loneliness and social isolation in older adults are serious public health risks, with more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older feeling lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older considered to be socially isolated
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Lack of social connection heightens health risks as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day or having alcohol use disorder. Loneliness and social isolation are twice as harmful to physical and mental health as obesity
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Chronic social isolation increases the risk of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, as well as chronic conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. It also raises the risk of dementia in older adults
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Social isolation affects health and mortality, whether or not the isolation is accompanied by subjective loneliness. Some studies suggest that the impact of isolation and loneliness on health and mortality are of the same order of magnitude as risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking
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2. Research and Future Directions:
The literature base for understanding the risks and impacts of social isolation and loneliness in older adults is sparse, and more research is needed to determine risks, impacts, and appropriate actions needed
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Future research will need to clarify the extent to which loneliness and social isolation are malleable and identify the most effective approaches to address them
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3. Mental Health and Coping:
Social isolation can have a serious impact on mental health, with more than three out of five Americans feeling chronically lonely. It’s normal for anyone who feels socially isolated to struggle with mental health, but there are steps individuals can take to cope with isolation and feel more connected
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Perceived social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant psychological consequences, with changes in daily lives, feelings of loneliness, job losses, financial difficulty, and grief over the death of loved ones affecting mental health
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4. Public Health Priority:
Social isolation and loneliness are increasingly being recognized as a priority public health problem, with a large body of research showing their serious impact on physical and mental health, quality of life, and longevity
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