The IAA One Minute Blog

Social isolation and loneliness put people at a 30 percent higher risk of heart attack, stroke or death from either, the American Heart Association (AHA) warns.

Social Isolation and Loneliness can Hurt Your Health

Although social isolation and feeling lonely are related, they are not the same thing. Social isolation is having infrequent in-person contact with people for social relationships, such as family and friends. Loneliness is when you feel like you are alone or have less connection with others than you desire.

Nearly a quarter of adults in the United States aged 65 and older are socially isolated, and as many as 47 percent may be lonely, according to the AHA.

To investigate the relationship between social isolation and heart, blood vessels and brain health, the group reviewed research on social isolation published through July 2021. The review found:

1. Social isolation and loneliness are frequent, but under-appreciated factors that affect the heart, blood vessels and brain.
2. Lack of social connections is associated with a higher risk of premature death from any cause, particularly in men.
3. Folks who were less socially connected were more likely to exhibit physical symptoms of chronic stress. Isolation and loneliness are linked to increased inflammation.
4. When evaluating risk factors for social isolation, it is important to remember that depression may cause isolation, and isolation may make depression more likely.
5. Social isolation in childhood is linked to increased heart health risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels.
6. Transportation, housing, family discontent, the pandemic, and natural disasters are a few social and environmental factors that have affects on social interactions.

The strongest evidence points to a connection between social isolation, loneliness and death from heart disease and stroke, with a 32 percent higher risk of stroke and death from stroke and a 29 percent higher heart attack risk.

The statement was published in the “Journal of the American Heart Association.”

Stay Connected

There is strong evidence that many adults aged 50 and older are socially isolated or lonely in ways that put their health at risk. Some strategies that can help you stay connected are:

• Consider adopting a pet: Animals can be a source of comfort and may also lower stress and blood pressure.
• Find an activity that you enjoy or learn something new: You might have fun and meet people who like to do the same thing.
• Get moving: Exercise decreases stress, boosts your mood, and increases your energy.
• Volunteer: You’ll feel better by helping others.

Of course, it is always important to stay in touch. Keep in contact with family, friends and neighbors in person, online or by phone.

What IAA has to Say

If you are feeling lonely or isolated Insurance Administrator of America encourages you to find a strategy to help you stay connected. You and your health deserve it! Remember, with IAA one call does it all.

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