Question

Discuss the effects of loneliness and isolation in the older adult according to the NIH.GOV publication. The text must be no shorter than 6 full sentences and no longer than 10;

Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks. NIH.GOV; April 23, 2019. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks

Answer 1

Social isolation, loneliness in older adults pose both physical and psychological health risk.

Physical health risk such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and a weak immune cell that have trouble fighting off viruses which makes them more vulnerable to some infectious diseases. Infact loneliness acts as a fertilizer for other diseases.

The loneliness in older adults can accelerate the build-up of plaque in arteries, help cancer cells grow and spread and promote inflammation in the brain. This situation poses mental health risks such as cognitive decline, depression anxiety, and can lead up to Alzheimer's disease

These conditions are affected to whom find themselves alone due to various social and psychological reasons. It will be helpful if older people can be engaged in meaning full and productive activities which enable them to live longer, boost their mood and to have some sence of purpose.

The novel predictions from Cacioppo Evolutionary Theory suggest, Loneliness in older adults automatically triggers set of a behavioral and biological process that contibute to the association between loneliness and premature death.

Majorly people who find themselves unexpectedly alone due to various reasons such as death of spouse or partner, separtion from friends and family, retirement, loss of mobility and lack of transportation are at particular risk.

Further more Dr. Cacioppo’s research found that being alone and loneliness are different but related. Social isolation is the objective physical separation from other people (living alone), while loneliness is the subjective distressed feeling of being alone or separated. It’s possible to feel lonely while among other people, and you can be alone yet not feel lonely.