Having a companion is fun especially when we learn from each other, although there are cases where the relationship turns sour when it is not a mutual one. Relationships are less chaotic when there is mutual contribution. 

For this reason, most young population choose to stay single sans the commitment assuming it might diminish the stress in their lives. 

The singlehood trend has become very common around the world for the last couple of years. Despite the efforts, isolation has only added to some mental worries in human beings. 

After all, man is a social being!

This article discusses the consequences of social isolation and loneliness irrespective of age and gender.

Loneliness and social isolation

Are loneliness and social isolation the same? 

Staying alone and feeling lonely are two different things. Although both situations impact the human mind in a similar way. 

Loneliness is a term used when the individual feels lonely despite the amount of social contact. Social isolation is when the individual lacks any social interactions in their daily lives.

Lack of social contact leads to loneliness while some people still feel lonely without being socially isolated. 

(Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected | National Institute on Aging, n.d.)

Rates of loneliness and social isolation around the world

A recent study has shown the statistics of population from 29 countries. The statistics focused on the percentage of people who often feel lonely, who are less lonely, and who are seldom lonely. Brazil tops the chart with the highest percentage of people experiencing loneliness. Turkey stands second and surprisingly India stands third in the list. 

The statistics were quite a surprise to me when I saw India having 43% of its population (all genders and ages) often experiencing loneliness. 

(Loneliness among Adults Worldwide by Country 2021 | Statista, n.d.)

the study also says, COVID-19 has played a major role in increasing social isolation, by cutting off social interactions for a prolonged period all around the world. Lack of companionship has been a difficult situation to deal with, especially during the pandemic. One can say that COVID-19 led to another pandemic of loneliness. 

According to a survey conducted in 2021 among G7 countries, about seven in 10 people experienced a worsening of psychological health during the pandemic. 

Americans who reported more symptoms of depression were by far more likely to feel lonely. It also negatively impacted their nutrition habits, alcohol consumption, smoking, substance use, and sleeping habits. 

Eventually, this leads to poor mental state and metabolic disturbances. 

(Loneliness among Adults Worldwide by Country 2021 | Statista, n.d.)

In India, a systemic study reveals that the burden of loneliness was higher in the elderly population. 

Does loneliness or social isolation cause depression?

Depression is a complex mental health situation. Many factors combined can bring a potential risk for depression. 

Feelings of isolation and loneliness can be a part of those risky situations that can lead to mental health problems. 

Social isolation doesn’t lead to depression in every individual’s case. Factors associated with loneliness include:

• Aging, family structure, 
• Marital status, 
• Religious practices, group membership, 
• Educational attainment, 
• Source and level of income, 
• Psychological attributes, and 
• Comorbid physical and mental health conditions among the affected individuals.

((PDF) Prevalence and Correlates of Loneliness in India: A Systematic Review, n.d.)

In short, a cumulative effect of any of the above factors combined with loneliness or social isolation can lead to depression. 

Loneliness in the elderly?

Loneliness can bring an obvious impact in the elderly, as they go through a transition in life. their energy levels decrease, their sleep patterns change, their chewing abilities and digestive abilities decrease. They often lose their partners. Their social interactions come down and this can lead to loneliness and depression. 

An elderly man, who retired from work, lost his wife, and his children are busy working in another state can feel lonely and isolated due to his decreased connections and human interactions. 

Being lonely and socially isolated might lead to decreased mental happiness and a sense of depressed state of mind in this example. 

Loneliness in youngsters

Loneliness in youngsters is highly prevailing, especially in bigger cities. Globalization and urbanization brought in much progress in the economy while it has negatively impacted the young brains and their emotional state. 

A single working woman who relocated to a new city and just got out of a relationship might feel isolated owing to the struggle of a new language and new people around her. Her new situation can make her feel lonely and depressed in the new place. 

(Loneliness and Depression: Is There a Link?, n.d.)

How does loneliness impact different age groups?

A study in 2022 reveals that loneliness prevailed the highest in the age groups as shown below:

(People Experiencing Loneliness by Age Group Worldwide 2022 | Statista, n.d.)

Who is at a higher risk of loneliness and social isolation?

• New mothers
• Families who relocate
• Youngsters who get bullied
• Youngsters who are body shammed
• Working people who are single and relocate for work.
• Individuals who lost their companions.
• Unattended children
• Immigrants 
• LGBT community 

Health risks of loneliness

Being or feeling alone can negatively impact both psychological and physiological health. 

Feeling lonely or socially isolated can impact eating habits, sleeping pattern, smoking, and drinking habits too. Especially people living alone might skip their meals or binge eat, they might see food and alcohol as emotional companions. 

Loneliness might lead to obesity, stress, insulin resistance, insomnia or hypersomnia, inflammation due to chronic stress, and elevated levels of cortisol.

Loneliness also increased the risk of dementia by 50%, increased risk of heart disease by 29%, and increased risk of stroke by 32%. 

Loneliness has been associated with increased suicidal rates, anxiety, and depression.

(Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions, n.d.)

Interventions to protect the society

It is essential for every nation to intervene as a public health initiative to alleviate the consequences of loneliness and help the population with much-needed support.

Social help groups, support groups, and telephonic and web-based counseling provide opportunities for people to improve their social interactions. 

Every country must initiate and develop its social care practices to support people of all ages. 

Contacts for support and helplines for depression and suicidal thoughts are an essential part of support groups and should be made known to the public through various communication mediums. 

Takeaway

Humans are known to be social in nature but circumstances can make them feel alone and isolated. The solution to loneliness is a shared responsibility between the healthcare giver and the individual who is negatively impacted due to loneliness.

It is important for the individual to stay positive and help themselves out of the situation using professional support like behavioural interventions, lifestyle modifications, and self-help groups. These methods improve the productivity of the individual by improving their physical and psychological well-being. 

References

• Loneliness among adults worldwide by country 2021 | Statista. (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1222815/loneliness-among-adults-by-country/
• Loneliness and Depression: Is There a Link? (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.healthline.com/health/loneliness-and-depression#loneliness-turning-into-depression
• Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected | National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/loneliness-and-social-isolation/loneliness-and-social-isolation-tips-staying-connected
• Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions. (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html
• (PDF) Prevalence and correlates of loneliness in India: A systematic review. (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338435613_Prevalence_and_correlates_of_loneliness_in_India_A_systematic_reviewPeople experiencing loneliness by age group worldwide 2022 | Statista. (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1400807/percentage-of-people-who-reported-feelings-of-loneliness-by-age-group-worldwide/