New research reveals isolation, loneliness can shorten life span

by MAry VillegAs Inquirer.net

WIth digital connections and social networks at our fingertips, it’s surprising to know that we are facing a crisis of isolation and loneliness.

recent research has confirmed the dire consequences of social isolation and feeling lonely. It also shows that these situations can result in earlier death from specific causes, including cancer.

A team of researchers delved into the intricate link between health and loneliness. they also highlighted the urgent need to know the underlying processes and implement efficient strategies to fight this prevalent problem.

A review involving 90 studies of more than 2.2 million individuals globally has revealed alarming data. People who confirmed feeling lonely or isolated are at higher risk of early death.

the findings are published in Nature human Behavior. however, according to a medical Xpress report, the study was only limited to individuals from highincome countries. so it might not be applicable to less prosperous countries.

Director of the social holt-Lunstad said, “[this study] is consistent with my [2015] meta-analysis that found that both isolation and loneliness are significant predictors of [dying].” she added, “this is also consistent with the U.s surgeon General Advisory on isolation and loneliness.” the research shows that people who experience loneliness and self-isolation are more likely to have unhealthy lifestyles. these include lack of exercise, unhealthy food choices, excessive alcohol drinking, and smoking. The health effects of loneliness social isolation was linked to weak immune systems and inflammation, leaving individuals more vulnerable to specific health conditions.

Connection and health Lab at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah Julianne holtLunstad, shared her insights but was not part of the research. But most of her studies are focused on the health effects of loneliness.

Limited social interactions of isolated people can also affect their access to proper medical care.

Social isolation vs. loneliness: Their difference social isolation is the lack of connection or contact with others, while loneliness is the feeling of being alone, even if there are social connections. Both can harm health, but research shows that social isolation has more significant risks. By understanding their differences, health experts can create effective methods to address them properly. Effective strategies to overcome loneliness Vice President of health services research at the American Cancer society robin Yabroff said that there are several things one can do to fight loneliness and social isolation. the U.s surgeon General recently made a number of recommendations for increasing awareness of, recognizing, and addressing loneliness.” here are some of the effective methods based on experts’ advice: Join social communities and groups Participating actively in social and community groups can form a sense of belonging that can aid individuals in building u PAGE 5 filipino. teodoro said officials have not looked into the security aspects of the issue, reiterating that there is nothing to discuss if the request is not permitted under the law. some sectors and personalities, including Vice President sara Duterte, are against the request, fearing the arrangement might worsen the situation as regards the local terrorists in some places and violate Philippine sovereignty. meanwhile, teodoro said on monday that proposals to bring the West Philippine sea issue before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) have to be carefully studied first, even as he stressed that the Philippines’ rights under international law must be asserted. some senators have backed retired supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio’s suggestion for the government to elevate the WPs issue to the UNGA, the highest policymaking body of the UN, as China continues to ignore the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in favor of the Philippines. teodoro agreed that the WPs issue must be brought before the international community to reassert the rights of the country under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the sea (UNCLos).

“We have not gone that far. With regard to claims that there is an agreement already, we are not yet there,” he said. “All our actions should have a legal basis.” earlier this month, sen. Imee marcos, sister of the president, questioned why the U.s wanted to house the Afghans in the Philippines instead of the American mainland or countries closer to Afghanistan.

According to the Department of foreign Affairs (DfA), the Afghans are not refugees but people “who have worked with the U.s. government and their qualified members.” the Afghans worked for the American government before the taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021 and are in the final stage of their U.s. special immigration visa application.

“We must bring to the consciousness of the entire world the right of the republic of the Philippines under the UNCLos. We really need to transfer the debate on the WPs from our country to the rest of the world so they know our cause and if this should be done through the UNGA, the DfA has to weigh on that and study the matter,” he said.

In senate resolution 659, sen. risa hontiveros called on the Philippine government through the DfA to sponsor a resolution before the UNGA that will call on China to stop its harassment of filipino vessels in the WPs

“Despite the hague ruling, China continues to harass our navy, remain hostile to our fisherfolk and put the fishing industry in the area in jeopardy. this is nothing but a constant rejection of the basic tenets of international law. Beijing’s blunt refusal to accept her legal fate should have serious consequences. the UN General Assembly should be able to tell China to behave,” hontiveros said. (Helen Flores, cecille Suerte Felipe)