Loneliness isn't necessarily something we think of in terms of illness or disease risk—and that might be hazardous to your health. Researchers at Yale Medicine recently discovered that in your older years, social isolation may raise your risk of becoming seriously ill or dying. Read on to find out how and why—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Scientists analyzed data from older people participating in the National Health and Aging Trends study who were admitted to intensive care units between 2011 and 2018. The study subjects were asked questions about their social interactions, such as 

• talking with family or friends about important matters
• visiting with family members or friends
• participating in social events or church 

Each person's level of social isolation was then ranked from 0 to 6.

The researchers found that each increase in social isolation scores was associated with a higher risk of disability and death. The most socially isolated older adults had a 50% higher "burden of functional disability" in the year after an ICU admission and a 119% greater risk of death.

"Social isolation has become an increasingly pressing issue during the COVID-19 pandemic," says Lauren Ferrante, MD, MHS, a pulmonologist and critical care physician at Yale Medicine and senior author of the study. "Older adults who are socially isolated should have close follow-up after hospital discharge to ensure that they are receiving the medical care and rehabilitation that they need to recover. If you know an older adult who is socially isolated and recently discharged from the hospital, it's a good idea to check in on them and make sure they are getting the help that they need."

One study found that social isolation can increase older adults' risk of dementia by 50%. And a recent study conducted in Finland found that men who reported feeling lonely over two decades were more likely to be diagnosed with cancer—and to receive a worse prognosis. 

Social isolation causes a stress response in the body, which can lead to chronic inflammation, a major risk factor for serious disease. According to a study published in the journal Antioxidants and Redox Signaling, this long-term inflammation can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia—all conditions that have been repeatedly linked to loneliness. And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

The post Over 60? This Common Habit Could Be Deadly, Warns Study appeared first on Eat This Not That.

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By: Michael Martin
Title: Over 60? This Common Habit Could Be Deadly, Warns Study
Sourced From: www.eatthis.com/news-deadly-common-habit-over-60-study/
Published Date: Sat, 25 Dec 2021 11:45:37 +0000

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