Feeling Isolated? Hidden health risk for older adults Amy Sweezey
Directors at the Texas A&M Center for Population Health and Aging are studying social connectedness in older adults and the detrimental effects of social isolation and loneliness on physical and mental health. The study shows that the safety guidelines to self-isolate have inadvertently created new health risks for older adults by leaving them more isolated and inactive than ever before. Studies showed that nearly a quarter of older Americans felt socially isolated, and about a third of middle-aged and older adults experienced loneliness. That isolation often leads to other health issues: chronic disease, psychiatric disorders, declining cognitive function, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, even premature death. Of course, staying at home also makes living a healthy lifestyle more difficult, including the challenge of trying to eat well and exercise. Without exercise, muscles can weaken. Inactivity can lead to weight gain, declining heart function and decreased lung capacity.
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G R O W I N G B O L D E R / D I G I TA L D I G E S T
