Social isolation and loneliness throughout life can dramatically raise a person’s risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke, and experts are concerned that there could be an increase in these occurrences in the future as the number of lonely Americans continues to rise.
A study published Thursday in the Journal of the American Heart Association links social isolation and loneliness to a 30 percent increase in the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Although a lack of social connections is associated with a variety of health concerns, the biggest link may be cardiovascular disorders. Isolation is typically accompanied by an increase in stress, which can place an unnecessary burden on the body and cause harm.
Experts warn that two populations are particularly vulnerable. Through retirement and widowhood, many elderly Americans find themselves alone, and generation Z is considered the loneliest generation ever. Long-term isolation among members of Generation Z poses special potential health problems.
Dr. Crystal Wiley Cené, who chairs the authoring of the statement and works at the University of California, San Diego, said, “Over four decades of research have conclusively proven that social isolation and loneliness are both related to unfavorable health consequences.”
According to experts, social isolation is connected to an increase in all causes of death, with men, particularly at risk.
Lonely people are more prone to experience chronic stress, one of the primary causes that might negatively affect heart health.
They note that social isolation is also associated with elevated levels of inflammation throughout the body, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, among other health difficulties.
“There is considerable evidence linking social isolation and loneliness to an increased risk of poorer heart and brain health in general,” Cené explained. “However, data on the association with specific outcomes, such as heart failure, dementia, and cognitive impairment, is limited.”
Both the adults and the youngest members of the U.S. adult population are in high danger, according to these statistics.
The phenomenon of senior loneliness is well recognized. Unlike when they were younger, elderly individuals typically lack the ability and energy to participate in social events.
In addition, many close friends and relatives will have died over the years, causing them to lose connections. Typically, younger family members mature and begin independent lives apart from their elders.
However, isolation among generation Z is a relatively new phenomenon. Generally considered to be those born between 1997 and 2012, this group includes Americans currently aged nine to twenty-five.
It would be expected that persons in these age groups would have a vibrant, active social life, but this has not been the case.
The statement cites a Harvard survey that identifies Generation Z adults as the ‘loneliest generation in the United States currently.
They attribute this peculiar distinction to their greater usage of social media and decreased in-person interaction with their peers.
Cené stated, “given the frequency of social isolation in the United States, the impact on public health is rather significant.”
Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic also played a part. In recent years, a rise in mental health problems among the youngest Americans has been attributed to the closure of schools and recreational facilities.
According to the statement, loneliness and social isolation are two of the primary causes of depression.
Now that the issue has been brought up by professionals, Cené asserts that it is time to offer remedies.
‘There is an urgent need to design, implement, and evaluate programs and initiatives to prevent the detrimental consequences of social isolation and loneliness on cardiovascular and brain health, especially among groups at risk.
Clinicians should inquire about the frequency of their patients’ social activities and whether they are content with their level of connections with friends and family.
Then, they should be willing to send socially isolated or lonely individuals, particularly those with a history of heart disease or stroke, to community resources that can help them connect with others.
How Generation Z become the loneliest generation in America?
Americans are more lonely than ever before, and experts warn that the youngest generations are experiencing it the most.
43 percent of Americans feel lonely, according to a 2019 UCLA survey, and 27 percent believe they rarely or never connect with the people they encounter.
Researchers at UCLA measured the social isolation of each generation and were stunned to discover that Generation Z was the most socially isolated.
Contrary to common belief, older generations reported being less lonely than their younger counterparts.
Lonely people tend to have poorer physical and mental health overall.
Loneliness is one of the most common causes of disorders such as sadness and anxiety.
Experts warn that loneliness can increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular and neurological disorders.
