As people age, social isolation and loneliness become significant challenges. Many experience living alone for the first time after losing a spouse. It’s also harder for older adults to keep friendships alive as longtime friends may fall ill or pass away.
According to Census Bureau data, nearly 25% of men and almost 46% of women over the age of 75 live alone. However, loneliness isn’t limited to those who live by themselves. It can also occur when there’s a gap between the relationships people want and the ones they actually have.
In other words, having a healthy social life isn’t just about the number of connections—it’s about the quality of those relationships, too.
Loneliness is a serious issue because it can be as harmful as a physical health problem. A study highlighted in The New York Times found that loneliness can lead to a higher risk of depression, cognitive decline, and conditions like coronary artery disease.
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, also discovered that loneliness is linked to a shorter lifespan. As the study published in JAMA Internal Medicine states, “Loneliness is a common source of distress, suffering, and reduced quality of life in older adults.”
