Truly Lonely Seniors Have More Ill-Health

Older persons often have few close friends, and this, together with self-perceived loneliness, has been linked with inferior general health. A study done by University of Chicago scientists has explored this, to see which type of isolation – actual (designated ‘social disconnectedness’) or perceived – is mainly responsible for ill-health. Their report is in the journal Science Daily.

Social isolation was classified as having 4 possible causes: few friends, living alone, rare participation in social activities, and feelings of loneliness. The scientists used data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project to determine the relative importance of each.

The results of analyses showed that social disconnectedness and perceived isolation could both be responsible, independently, for poor physical health. Thus the most socially-connected older adults were 3 times as likely to report very good or excellent health, compared to those who were least connected, regardless of heir feelings of loneliness. On the other hand, those who felt least lonely were 5 times more likely to report very good or excellent health as those who felt most lonely, regardless of their social disconnectedness.

The scientists conclude that: “Health researchers need to consider social disconnectedness and perceived isolation simultaneously.” In other words, it’s not necessary to foist social activities on well-adjusted seniors living alone with few friends.