Lonely? Solitude Could be Deadly, Research Reveals

There are few things more traumatic than the loss of a lifetime companion. What’s worse, the loneliness that you feel could be jeopardizing your health in a big way, according to recent research.

Feeling extreme loneliness can increase an older person’s chances of premature death by 14 percent, according to research by psychologist John Cacioppo, one of the nation’s leading experts on loneliness.

The impact of loneliness on dying prematurely is nearly as strong as the impact of being socially and economically disadvantaged, which Cacioppo and his University of Chicago colleagues – in other research – found increases the chances of dying early by 19 percent.

The consequences of loneliness to health are dramatic and include disrupting sleep, elevating blood pressure, increasing depression and lowering that overall feeling of well-being, Cacioppo said.

Older people can avoid these consequences by staying in touch with former co-workers, taking part in family traditions and sharing good times with family and friends, all of which gives them a chance to connect with others, Cacioppo said.

“Retiring to Florida to live in a warmer climate among strangers isn’t necessarily a good idea if it means you are disconnected from the people who mean the most to you,” Cacioppo said.

Staying connected may be easier said than done, especially for seniors like you who have lost spouses. Although some people are happy to be alone, most of us need each other. Research has revealed that people thrive from social situations in which they provide mutual support and develop strong rapport.

For more information about the study, visit http://news.uchicago.edu/article/2014/02/16/aaas-2014-loneliness-major-health-risk-older-adults.