Get News & Updates Directly To Your Inbox
Get News & Updates Directly To Your Inbox
Find A Doctor Or Hospital In Your Network.
Studies show relationships are key for overall wellbeing. People thrive in safe social surroundings. Loneliness can take a toll on physical and mental health. It can raise the risk for depression and other mental health issues. It’s also been linked to increased inflammation and higher blood pressure — which can lead to a greater risk for diabetes and heart disease.
Young adults may feel alone because of the time they spend on social media. They may think others have more friends or happier lives because of what they see. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry shows social media can boost their risk for loneliness, depression and suicide.
Loneliness is harmful for the health of older adults, too. More than one-third of adults age 45 and older are lonely. Many live alone. They may not have the routine social interaction that comes with school or a job. Without these touchstones, the risks for sleeplessness, alcoholism and dementia go up significantly.
Despite its negative side, social media can also help people form bonds. Connecting online through platforms such as Facebook and Instagram let people connect online and share photos with friends and family. Users may even build a new group of friends.
For some, other forms of technology can help. Voice-activated devices and smart speakers allow banter between people and machine, which can make seniors feel more connected. It also offers an easy way to listen to favorite music, learn about daily events and more, says AARP.
Exercising, eating healthy foods and getting enough sleep can help fight the bad effects of loneliness. They help nurture mental and physical wellbeing — and even longer lives, reports the National Poll on Healthy Aging.
Luckily, there are things nearly everyone can do to help fight that lonely feeling. Try these tips:
Originally published 3/20/2019; Revised 2022, 2024
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation,
a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
© Copyright 2024 Health Care Service Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Telligent is an operating division of Verint Americas, Inc., an independent company that provides and hosts an online community platform for blogging and access to social media for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma.
File is in portable document format (PDF). To view this file, you may need to install a PDF reader program. Most PDF readers are a free download. One option is Adobe® Reader® which has a built-in screen reader. Other Adobe accessibility tools and information can be downloaded at https://access.adobe.com.
You are leaving this website/app ("site"). This new site may be offered by a vendor or an independent third party. The site may also contain non-Medicare related information. Some sites may require you to agree to their terms of use and privacy policy.
Powered by Telligent