By Candice Freese, Valley VNA Wellness Coordinator
Even in the midst of a crowd, we can still feel alone and disconnected. When our human need for deep, meaningful, and consistent social relationships is not met, real and significant negative effects arise in our bodies and minds. According to University of Chicago social neuroscientist John Cacioppo, the effects of loneliness or rejection are as real as thirst, hunger, or pain. “The brain goes into a self-preservation state that brings with it a lot of unwanted effects,” he said.
When people are lonely:
Studies show loneliness increases the risk for early death by 45 percent and the chance of developing dementia in later life by 64 percent. However, people who have strong ties to family and friends are as much as 50 percent less at risk of dying over any given period of time than those with fewer social connections.
We all go through periods of loneliness after the death of a spouse, a move to a new city or living situation, or a romantic break-up. These periods of situational loneliness can become chronic, also known as trait loneliness. Trait loneliness develops when a person is unable to rebuild beneficial relationships after a loss or move. The strong social structures of yesteryear – religious institutions, extended family, and neighborhood groups – are fading and leave many people without the tools to rebuild. If a person blames herself for lacking social skills or being incapable of bouncing back, the problem snowballs. To help, friends, family, and caregivers can:
The propensity to suffer chronic loneliness has also recently been discovered to have a genetic component; that is, it’s partially inherited. People with this trait tend to respond well to activities that address depression and other long-term negative emotional states, like mindfulness meditation.
The staff at Valley VNA recognizes loneliness as a genuine medical and emotional concern. Through in-home visits, Meals-on-Wheels, life enrichment activities, and a newly established wellness program, we strive to build new and enriching connections between residents, staff, and families. To learn more about Valley VNA’s new Movement & Meditation classes to nurture the body and soul, please call (920) 727-5555.