Greta Garbo was famous for wanting to be alone. Others share that desire. That doesn’t mean
they feel lonely.
But many people, notably teenagers and the elderly, feel isolated and lonely. That’s not good
for one’s health, according to leading research studies. As a recent article in The New York
Times states: “…loneliness can raise levels of stress hormones and inflammation, which in turn
can increase the risk of heart disease, arthritis, Type 2 diabetes, dementia and even suicide
attempts.”
Carnegie Hill Village (CHV) seeks to provide companionship for people in our area who feel
isolated and lonely, and who want more social connections. The aim is to help people who live
in the Carnegie Hill area to stay in their homes, and live as fulfilling a life as possible, even when
loved ones and cherished friends are no longer around. The Times article noted that “…Among
older people who reported they felt left out, isolated or lacked companionship, the ability to
perform daily activities like bathing, grooming and preparing meals declined and deaths
increased over a six-year study period, relative to people who reported none of these feelings
[of loneliness].”
Social isolation – purposely wanting to be alone – doesn’t necessarily equate with loneliness,
researchers say. “Social isolation denotes few social connections or interactions, whereas
loneliness involved the subjective perception of isolation – the discrepancy between one’s
desires and actual level of social connection,” the article notes.
Another study found strong risks for those under 65 than for those over 65. Older adults should
not necessarily be the focus of the effects of loneliness and social isolation. The researchers
noted that the need for social connection is a fundamental human need, and pointed out that
they can ignore the risks of feeling socially isolated, even if people don’t feel lonely.
The article goes on to note that “equally intriguing is the finding that suggests loneliness may
be a preclinical sign for Alzheimer’s disease. Using data from the Harvard Aging Brain Study of
79 cognitively normal adults living in the community, physician-researchers found a link
between the participants’ score on a three question assessment for loneliness and the amount
of amyloid in their brains. (Amyloid accumulation is considered a main pathological sign of
Alzheimer’s disease.)
The full article is well worth reading. It appeared in the Science section of the New York Times on
Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017. You may be able to obtain a copy from The New York Times (Call
Customer Care at (800-698- 4637), or try a local library.