Most people assume the best way to increase their lifespan is through some sort of scientific or technological advancement. After all, people are living longer than ever, [1] and so much of that is due to societal progress. But one 2012 study found that loneliness could worsen the health of elderly persons and recommends different social situations to prevent and reverse this. In other words, hanging out with your mom could help her liver longer — and better (that goes for dad too).
The Disease of Loneliness
Loneliness is a prevalent issue for older adults, and it contributes highly to their suffering. According to the study, “Loneliness is the subjective feeling of isolation, not belonging, or lacking companionship.” According to their findings, it’s also associated with depression, a decline in functionality in daily activities, and an increased risk of death. [2]
After all, humans aren’t meant to live in isolation. If the pandemic had taught anything, it made that clear. But not all socializing is equal. People could be surrounded by others and still feel lonely. Similarly, many people enjoy their time alone. However, it’s the real and meaningful connections that bring people a sense of peace, joy, and wellbeing. This is why despite social media bringing people closer, people feel lonelier and more isolated than ever.
“During my years caring for patients, the most common pathology I saw was not heart disease or diabetes; it was loneliness,” said former Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, MD. “Loneliness is a growing health epidemic. We live in the most technologically connected age in the history of civilization, yet rates of loneliness have doubled since the 1980s.”
Even with younger people, loneliness could have a negative effect on their physical and mental health. It could even shorten a person’s life by 15 years. Scientifically, loneliness could release stress hormones that raise blood pressure and lower immunity. There’s a physical reaction to what was once considered an emotional problem. [3]
Read: A Thank You To My Mom, Everything I Am Is Because of You
Hanging Out With Mom and Grandma
In the study, there were about 1600 participants around the age of 71. And 23% of those who were lonely died within six years, as opposed to the 14% who had decent companionship. The need for meaningful interaction doesn’t decrease with age. In fact, older adults strongly value their relationships. That’s why hanging out with mom and older adults, in general, seems to mean more emotionally. Often, older people tend to overlook and tolerate things that younger people wouldn’t.
“They’re pretty tolerant of friends’ imperfections and idiosyncrasies, more than young adults,” said Rosemary Blieszner, a professor of human development at Virginia Tech. “You bring a lot more experience to your friendships when you’re older. You know what’s worth fighting about and not worth fighting about.”
Independent and assisted-living homes are designed for their residents to socialize as much as possible. Of course, visits from family members are always meaningful, as well as hanging out with mom and dad at your own home. But they aren’t the only ones benefiting from the relationship. There’s so much to learn from their experiences, and discovering the family’s past could help them feel more connected to their cultural identity. [4]
How to Combat Loneliness
The best remedy is face-to-face interaction, which finally becoming possible once again in some areas.
Join a Club or Class
This could be any hobby or skill, from faith-based activities to book clubs to art classes to support groups. Joining groups like these can not only foster meaningful interaction but also create a sense of community.
Volunteer
“I like to encourage my older patients to get involved in their communities and more specifically, to volunteer,” said Jennifer Boozer, DO, a family medicine physician at Keck Medicine of USC and a clinical assistant professor of family medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. “It not only benefits those they are serving, but it also helps keep them active, combats depression, helps create a social network and may help them live longer and happier lives.” [5]
Help the Neighbours
Sometimes neighbors are overlooked as meaningful social connections. They are so present; they are easily forgotten. But reaching out could reduce loneliness for both parties.
Family Time
People who spend a lot of time with family members often feel supported and connected. This could also include extended family. Even when you are both fairly young, hanging out with mom has its benefits.
Balance
Often loneliness is from a lack of balance. As people try to juggle work, sleep, “me time”, and socialization, the latter tends to fall away. Sometimes the people and support system are already there; it’s a matter of reorganizing priorities to enjoy the benefits of spending time with them. [6]
Keep Reading: Grandfather bravely comes out as gay at 90 years old, proving it’s never too late to embrace your true self
Sources
- “Ageing and Health.” World Health Organization. February 5, 2018
- “Loneliness in Older Persons: A Predictor of Functional Decline and Death.” Arch Intern Med. Carla M. Perissinotto, MD, MHS; Irena Stijacic Cenzer, MA; Kenneth E. Covinsky, MD, MPH. July 23, 2012
- “Loneliness Is Harmful to Our Nation’s Health.” Scientific American. Claire Pomeroy. March 20, 2019
- “Study Shows The More You Hang Out With Your Mom, The Longer She’ll Live.” Yahoo. Sarah Schreiber. March 16, 2019
- “Why Do Lonely People Die Younger?” Keck Medicine of USC. Tina Dovito.
- “Loneliness Rivals Obesity, Smoking as Health Risk.” WebMD. Nick Tate. May 4, 2018
