Loneliness Worse for Health Than Smoking, Obesity, Alcoholism

The Devastating Impact of Loneliness on Health

Introduction:

Loneliness is often overlooked as a high-risk lifestyle factor, but new research suggests that it can be absolutely devastating for health. This article discusses a study conducted by the Regenstrief Institute data informatics firm and the Indiana University School of Medicine, which highlights the significant impact of loneliness on the well-being of seniors.

The Study and its Findings:

The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society, reveals that a majority of people aged 65 or older consider themselves lonely. This loneliness was found to be worse for their health than alcoholism, obesity, smoking at least 15 cigarettes per day, or leading a sedentary lifestyle. The data from the study showed that nearly 53 percent of seniors experienced loneliness, and among those who experienced it, mental and physical health outcomes were significantly poorer across demographics and health conditions.

Loneliness and Mortality Risks:

Prior research has indicated that loneliness is associated with greater mortality risks compared to other lifestyle factors. Loneliness can lead to overindulging in food and alcohol or reduce the desire and ability to exercise. It can also be comorbid with mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.

The Importance of Addressing Loneliness:

The study emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to address loneliness as a significant health factor. Just as doctors ask about smoking or blood sugar levels, they should also inquire about and measure loneliness. Offering solutions to combat loneliness can greatly improve the quality of life for seniors.

Data Collection and Loneliness Trends:

The researchers gathered their data from the Caregiver Outcomes of Alzheimer’s Disease Screening study, which evaluates dementia screening among clinicians. While the specific dataset used in this study comes from the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers note that loneliness was already a growing trend before the outbreak and its accompanying isolation measures.

Addressing the Loneliness Epidemic:

The loneliness epidemic has become a serious public health concern. In 2023, it was the subject of an advisory from the US Surgeon General’s Office. To combat this issue, the researchers suggest that feelings of isolation be treated as serious health factors and addressed proactively.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment:

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
2. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
3. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
4. Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

More on aging adulthood:

• Doing This Thing While Talking Is a Sign of Oncoming Dementia, Scientists Find

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The article highlights the impact of loneliness on health, specifically among seniors. Loneliness is considered a risk factor for health and is associated with poorer mental and physical health outcomes. SDG 3 aims to promote good health and well-being for all, making it directly connected to the issue of loneliness and its impact on health.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article mentions the need to address the loneliness epidemic and suggests that feelings of isolation be treated as serious health factors. This highlights the importance of creating inclusive and accessible social spaces, particularly for older persons. SDG 11 focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities, including providing universal access to safe and inclusive public spaces, which is relevant to addressing loneliness.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to inquire about and measure loneliness, similar to how they ask about smoking or measure blood sugar levels. This highlights the importance of inclusive and participatory decision-making in healthcare. SDG 16 aims to ensure responsive, inclusive, and representative decision-making at all levels, making it connected to addressing loneliness as a health factor.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being

The article highlights the impact of loneliness on health outcomes, indicating that it may be worse for seniors than alcoholism, obesity, smoking, or leading a sedentary lifestyle. Target 3.4 specifically focuses on promoting mental health and well-being, making it relevant to addressing the impact of loneliness on seniors’ health.

Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for older persons and persons with disabilities

The article emphasizes the need to address the loneliness epidemic and suggests that social contact was being prevented, exacerbating the problem. Target 11.7 aims to provide universal access to safe and inclusive public spaces, particularly for older persons. This target is relevant to creating social spaces that can help alleviate loneliness among seniors.

Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels

The article highlights the importance of healthcare professionals inquiring about and measuring loneliness as a health factor. Target 16.7 focuses on ensuring inclusive and participatory decision-making at all levels, including healthcare. This target is relevant to promoting the inclusion of measures to address loneliness in healthcare assessments.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions the following indicators:

• Percentage of seniors experiencing loneliness: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 3.4, which aims to promote mental health and well-being.
• Availability and accessibility of social spaces for older persons: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 11.7, which focuses on providing universal access to safe and inclusive public spaces.
• Inclusion of measures to address loneliness in healthcare assessments: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 16.7, which aims to ensure inclusive decision-making in healthcare.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: futurism.com

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