How Isolation is a Physical, Emotional and Mental Killer

George stared out the window at the brilliant fall day. He should go out for a walk. Even a short one would help. He sat in his recliner and raised his feet. Exhaustion seeped into his every pore. He didn’t have the energy.

He could hear Sheila’s voice. “You’ll feel better if you do. Come on, let’s go together, to the lake. It’s not that far, and the colours will be brilliant today.”

He almost lowered the recliner, but that other voice grumbled at him. “Sheila’s been gone for months now, George. All her exercise and healthy living didn’t keep her alive, did it? Anyway, what’s the point. It hurts to walk, so you may as well stay in with your feet up.”

George sighed. Sheila had them going for walks and visiting the Senior’s Centre (where she painted and he played cards) and even taking bus tours. He’d grumbled, but he’d loved it all. More social than Sheila, he’d made friends on those rides out of town, who were more valuable than the scenery. 

He laid his head back on the chair and closed his eyes. 

Maybe tomorrow…

The physical and emotional effects of social isolation on elders are shocking. 

Physical

Symptoms such as chronic fatigue, sleep problems, many kinds of pain, headaches or lack of motivation are a few of the indicators of loneliness and isolation. 1. Because these can also be manifestations of other diseases, the best place to start is your doctor’s office. A full physical and bloodwork can rule out other diseases, and perhaps point out some problems you don’t know about.

Other medical consequences are even more scary.

In fact, “studies have shown that social isolation was associated with about a 50% increased risk of developing dementia,” Dr. Clark said. “Furthermore, having poor social relationships was associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% risk of stroke.” 2

One study said that social isolation can increase the risk for premature death as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day! 2.

Other surprising physical outcomes are the increased risk of falls, poorer general health and risk of premature death.

Mental/Emotional

Isolation and loneliness can lead to all kinds of mental health issues. We are made for community, and when disconnected, depression and mental health issues follow. There’s a stigma to admitting to loneliness. Our society thinks “weak, needy, a burden.” No one wants others to think that about us, so we keep it to ourselves.

A shocking 30% of Canadians are said to suffer from social isolation. 

What can we do to help and how can they help themselves?

Next week…

  1. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/loneliness-isolation-mental-health#:~:text=Physical%20symptoms%20—%20such%20as%20headaches,tired%20or%20not%20having%20motivation.
  2. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-social-isolation#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20“studies%20have%20shown,32%25%20risk%20of%20stroke.”