"Loneliness can change the neurochemistry of the brain, turning off the dopamine neurons, which trigger the reward response, and causing some degeneration in the brain when the reward response is not activated," says Katherine Peters, MD, PhD, FAAN, associate professor of neurology and neurosurgery at Duke University.
Being alone may leave older adults more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which can affect their health and well-being. Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks for health problems such as heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline.
Too much time alone is bad for our physical health. Studies have found that social isolation and loneliness can increase the likelihood of mortality by up to 30%.
Without close proximity to others, the body's stress response is higher than it might be otherwise. Loneliness and social isolation are also stressful in and of themselves, and they are experienced in the brain as being in a state of general threat, triggering the release of stress hormones.
In a study of more than 11,000 people published in 2019 in the Journals of Gerontology, scientists found that those who reported high levels of social isolation had above-average decline in cognitive function when it came to tests of memory recall.
Hawkley points to evidence linking perceived social isolation with adverse health consequences including depression, poor sleep quality, impaired executive function, accelerated cognitive decline, poor cardiovascular function and impaired immunity at every stage of life.
"Loneliness can change the neurochemistry of the brain, turning off the dopamine neurons, which trigger the reward response, and causing some degeneration in the brain when the reward response is not activated," says Katherine Peters, MD, PhD, FAAN, associate professor of neurology and neurosurgery at Duke University.
Isolation can cause various mental and physical health problems, while having friendships can improve your overall well-being. Research of 323,000 individuals that examined the importance of friendships worldwide found that those who prioritized friendships had higher overall health and well-being.
Jessica Harrison, a licensed professional counselor and owner of Courageous Counseling and Consulting, says a lack of long-term friendships is a major red flag. "It shows that they have not been committed to growing in relationships, which takes time and effort on both friends' part," says Harrison.
Research shows loneliness is associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes; for example, it is a risk factor for depression, increases pain sensitivity, and has been linked to premature death.
This time spent alone creates space for you to come up with your own perspectives and ideas and how you think and feel about the things that are happening in your life and relationships. Read on to learn more about how spending time alone actually makes your life more enjoyable and positive.
Defining Chronic Loneliness
The people you see are casual acquaintances you can spend time with, but you don't have a deep connection with them. You experience feelings of isolation even when you're surrounded by other people or in large groups. It may feel like you're constantly on the outside looking in.
Social isolation, which happens when a person has little or no contact with others, is a dangerous condition. The form of extreme self-exile has been linked to a host of debilitating health problems, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.
Social life could be an essential aspect of a healthy and fulfilling life. However, for many adults, having no social life might be a source of stress and anxiety. You might have to understand the underlying causes to tackle this issue effectively.
People who are uncomfortable with others or prefer to be alone may have a hard time maintaining friendships. Personality issues such as being pushy, too talkative, or controlling can be off-putting to others. Talking to an objective third party such as a therapist can help reveal issues that interfere with friendships.
It is possible to find happiness without friends. As long as you have a strong sense of self and focus on activities that bring you purpose and joy, you can enjoy life at your own pace and on your own terms. Take time for self-care and self-reflection.
The answer is no. Everything has its pros and cons, and in the same way, not having friends is not as bad as it is made out to be. Having friends is good, but only if you have a healthy dynamic with them. So without further ado, let's try and understand the benefits of solitude.
Health Risks of Loneliness
Social isolation was associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia. Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) was associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.
There is not one single cause of loneliness. Loneliness can often be a result of life changes or circumstances that include living alone, changing your living arrangements, having financial problems, or death of a loved one.
Loneliness and isolation can result in both mental and physical illnesses. Loneliness has long been linked to mental health problems such as increased stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and low self-esteem. A lack of meaningful social contact can make you feel lonely and detached from others.
A 2022 study found that elderly lonely people often have atrophy in parts of the brain including the thalamus, which processes emotions, and the hippocampus, a memory center. These changes, the authors suggested, could help explain links between loneliness and dementia.