Last year, the United States Surgeon General published a report on the epidemic of loneliness and social isolation.
Social isolation and loneliness are often forgotten social determinants of health for people of all ages. Meaningful social connection is an essential human need for mental and physical well-being. Recent research has revealed a significant link between social isolation and loneliness and worse physical health outcomes.
Unfortunately, these issues are more widespread than other public health concerns and they are on the rise.
About one in four adults aged 65 and older are socially isolated. Social isolation is a lack of relationships and little or no social support. Those who are socially isolated may or may not feel lonely. Loneliness is feeling disconnected or alone including feeling a lack of close or meaningful relationships or belonging. An individual with many friends and family may still feel lonely.
Loneliness affects some people more than others; low-income folks, young adults, older adults, individuals living alone, people with chronic diseases and disabilities, immigrants and members of the LGBTQ community are vulnerable. Factors that can increase social isolation and loneliness include having a lower income, mental health concerns, chronic disease, long-term disability, being a victim of domestic violence and life transitions like divorce or job loss among others. Additionally, people in an ongoing caregiver role can become socially isolated and experience loneliness.
A lack of social connection poses a risk to health and longevity. In fact, one study published in the journal American Psychologist found that social isolation can increase the risk of premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, dementia and type 2 diabetes.
A new UCLA Health study found differences in brain activity related to food cravings in women who feel lonely. According to the study, those who had higher levels of social isolation had higher fat mass, poorer diet quality, more food cravings, uncontrolled eating behaviors and reward-based eating as well as higher levels of anxiety and depression. This study provides evidence that reinforces what researchers know about the vicious cycle between poor food choices and negative mental health symptoms.
Those struggling with poor eating habits related to mental health may need to take multiple steps to overcome these issues such as seeking professional help, making nutritious foods readily available and reducing feelings of loneliness while increasing social connectedness.
If you are experiencing loneliness or social isolation, here are some steps you can take:
- Speak with your doctor or consider consulting with a mental health counselor.
- Take a class, restart an old hobby or participate in volunteer work.
- Stay in touch with family, friends or neighbors, either in-person or by phone, email, text or video call.
- Practice self-compassion and positive self-talk.
- Consider adopting a pet.
- Join a school or community mentoring program.
- Participate in faith-based organizations.
- Check out local programs at senior centers, community groups and libraries.
- Stay physically fit by joining in on group workouts or walking groups.
LeeAnn Weintraub, MPH, RD is a registered dietitian, providing nutrition counseling and consulting to individuals, families and organizations. She can be reached by email at [email protected].